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Jane shook her head. “I would have tried, but he was so adamant. I just hope that he’s not insisting on it because he knows . . .” She trailed off. I knew exactly what she was going to say.?“Because he knows he doesn’t have much longer,” she went on. “And that this is going to be his last big event, you know?” “He doesn’t believe that. He still has more than a few years left.” “You sound so sure of that.” “I am sure. For his age, he’s actually doing well. Especially compared to the others his age at Creekside. They barely leave their rooms, and all they do is watch television.” “Yeah, and all he does is go to the pond to see that stupid swan. Like that’s any better.” “It makes him happy,” I pointed out. “But it’s wrong,” she said fiercely. “Can’t you see that? Mom’s gone. That swan has nothing to do with her.” I didn’t know how to respond, so I stayed quiet. “I mean, it’s crazy,” she continued. “Feeding it is one thing. But thinking that Mom’s spirit has somehow come back doesn’t make any sense.” She crossed her arms. “I’ve heard him talking to it, you know. When I go to see him. He’s having a regular conversation, as if he honestly believes the swan can understand him.?Kate and David have caught him doing it, too. And I know you’ve heard him.”