Because it was the last thing she had said to me.

Because with the very last breath in her body she had gathered her strength to give it a name and give it to me. For you, Mabel.

Only for you. I did not know why.

I did not need to know why.

She had wanted me to have it, and she had died wanting it, and there was no force in that house that was going to take it out of my arms.

So I held it, and I let them think whatever they wanted to think, and I carried it out of that room and did not let it go.