The Summer of the Swans

Upon reaching the summit, Sara takes in the impressive view. She and Joe call Charlie’s name over and over again to no avail. Sara observes her surroundings and is struck by how small her brother must be in comparison to the landscape. This observation, this sadness, is far deeper than any of her previous upsets. She requests silence, thinking she heard Charlie cry out, but the two hear nothing. Devastated, Sara clutches Charlie’s slipper and crumples to the ground.

A confused Charlie awakes on the ravine floor. Though his memory occasionally fails him, the boy is well aware of his own lapses. Charlie recalls other moments in which he found himself in unknown places or situations—but can’t recall his wanting to see the swans. Suddenly, Charlie hears someone call his name. He calls out in return.

Sara hears Charlie’s cries coming from the ravine below, and is overjoyed—scooting down the steep bank toward him. As the siblings spot each other, it occurs to Sara that no one will ever look at her with the same happiness. Sara embraces Charlie in a hug, the younger holding on tight even as she tries to return his slipper.