The narrator reflects on the sorrow experienced by their tribe, who gather nightly at the cliff to tally the number of otters killed that day. While the tribe members focus on the economic value of the otter pelts, the narrator feels a deep anger at the hunters. To them, the otters are not mere sources of wealth, but cherished friends that bring joy through their playful nature and presence among the kelp.

This contrast highlights the narrator’s connection to the otters, which is far more significant than the materialistic concerns of the tribe. Instead of valuing the beads that could be made from the pelts, the narrator finds more enjoyment in witnessing the otters' lively antics. This emphasizes a conflict between the community's survival instincts and the narrator’s affectionate bond with the animals, raising questions about the ethics of hunting and the value of relationships with nature.