“I cannot promise for another day," the lion said. 'And I cannot guarantee what other lions may do if they catch you alone in the forest. But tonight you are safe."
"Thank you," Cecilia said again. "May I touch you?"
"Touch me? Why?" the old lion asked.
"Because I want to," Cecilia said.
The lion looked at her for a moment, then nodded. Cecilia stepped forward and put her arms around the lion's neck, hugging him, feeling the coarse hair of his mane rub on her cheek and neck.
'Are you crazy?" she heard Avery say behind her.”