“Once he was released, Kaduvayan entered the herd and stood rubbing himself against the doe’s body. He never turned to look at his own herd again. His mother cried out to him. He didn’t look back. Peethan cried. He didn’t respond. Porumi cried out. He didn’t look back for her sake, either. Seeing someone who belonged with them going away, Poonachi too gave a feeble cry. He never turned. The doe’s call outweighed all their cries.”