There had been a steady decline. The first time we met, he was sitting in a chair with a walker nearby. Then the chair was a wheelchair. Next, sitting up in bed. Now, he lies back even with his eyes closed.

He said, “I wonder where the deer have gone.”

“Deer?”

“Yes.” He explained, “I used to see deer from my window here.”

As of this moment, I do not know if that was our last conversation. Maybe we will talk more this week about one thing or another. I have quiet in the not-knowing, and that is enough.