soon , there was no one left but me , and i knew it was time . i 'd begged him to just drink soda , but he snuck to the bar a few times for his beer , got drunk , and fell down the spiral stairs . you all put business and making money ahead of family . you 're stuck now , '' he said , looking down at me . she could hear the bells already , tinkling in the wind , ringing with pure voices . cliff sipped his eggnog , leaving the questions to her . 