Bennett showed me a recorded statement Arthur had made with an independent attorney when he updated his estate plan.

I had expected a formal speech.

Arthur appeared on the screen in a pale blue shirt, sitting beside the same window where he watched birds gather at the feeder.

He answered questions about the date, his property, his family, and what he understood the documents to do.

He spoke about Richard without bitterness, describing him as capable and wounded and admitting the part he’d played in their estrangement.

He explained that he did not believe leaving Richard the house would repair their relationship.