Summary

Now at the end of his letter, Robbie's grandfather wants to return to the issues they were discussing at the beginning. He wants to "advise and implore" Robbie to "stay out of this business with J" (5). He does not think getting involved with J. will actually help. In fact, his involvement might worsen issues for her. He does not want to offend Robbie, but sees his involvement as a potentially "empty gesture" (5). Entangling himself in J.'s affairs could not only hurt J., but bring harm to Robbie's "mother, father, sister, grandmother, grandfather" (5).

What he most wants is for Robbie to be safe and well. He wants him to have a long life, as he has. He thinks people put too much precedence on "courage," and not enough on "discretion and caution" (5).

He suddenly realizes that J. might mean more to Robbie than...