Also, every time Bud thinks or feels something, the story is written in the past tense: ''I picked up a stone'', while the quotes are written in the presence. Furthermore, the present future is also used. Once again, our understanding is tested as all three verb tenses are used. The narrator seems reliable as no one can speak against his own interpretations. However, there are puzzling moments where he cannot explain himself, such as the killing of the grouse. As a result, it seems like an indication that something is wrong – and we wonder: why can't he explain himself in that particular situation? Which we will now examine