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Sally Tomato is another character who does not appear directly in the novella, but whose presence in the narrative serves to illuminate another facet of Holly’s personality and catalyze the latter part of the plot. Holly has an affectionate relationship with Sally, and stands by him even when faced with the truth about how he used her and with the looming threat of legal trouble. He, in turn, wishes Holly well when he learns that she plans to flee the country and marry José. He even arranged for $500 to be delivered to her as a wedding present.

Sally’s presence in the narrative reminds the reader of Holly’s empathy toward caged beings and her desperation to find people who show genuine kindness toward her. His death in prison, of a heart attack, serves as a kind of validation not only of her belief that living creatures shouldn’t be caged but also of the sustaining kindness she showed him while he was alive.

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