I think angleundergravity11 is right. although I disagree about the end part. perhaps the child was so into caring about nothing he didn't even care about his own life. Meaning at this point he was in a suicidal state when his parents tired to care. He wanted the lion to eat him, this could mean that he took his life or tried. he was taken to a mental hospital and the doctor convinces the boy to live. After treatment the boy wants to live and is willing to talk to his parents.
I think angleundergravity11 is right. although I disagree about the end part. perhaps the child was so into caring about nothing he didn't even care about his own life. Meaning at this point he was in a suicidal state when his parents tired to care. He wanted the lion to eat him, this could mean that he took his life or tried. he was taken to a mental hospital and the doctor convinces the boy to live. After treatment the boy wants to live and is willing to talk to his parents.