Thirteen

On a rain-soaked morning, Cal visits Lena to see the puppies and subtly questions her about Brendan. Lena describes demographic shifts leaving isolated older men and says she avoids getting involved. When Cal asks for her best guess about Brendan, she refuses to speculate but notes that people respect men who keep to themselves. Cal delays committing to adopt the pup.

That afternoon, Trey arrives tense, demanding updates. Cal takes him hunting first, then explains his findings: Brendan had a bigger plan to escape poverty, promised Trey a bike, and recently feared the police. Because Brendan kept this plan secret from Trey despite sharing other plans, Cal infers it was dangerous and meant to protect Trey. Cal reasons Brendan likely left that day to advance the plan or deliver money, not to disappear.

Prompted by Cal, Trey reveals Brendan sometimes sought privacy at an abandoned mountain cottage. Cal insists Trey must not go there and will take a look himself, preferring they avoid being seen together.

During the hunt, Trey wounds a rabbit and, despite panic, finishes it with Cal’s guidance. Back home, Cal teaches Trey to dress the rabbit and fry it with onions, peppers, and garlic. The shared work eases Trey’s anxiety; they talk about isolation, friendship, and the difference between etiquette, manners, and morals, with Cal stressing a personal code of doing right by people.

To prevent Trey from acting alone, Cal sets a concrete next step: Trey will guide him to the road turnoff, and they will go to the cottage together the next afternoon after school.