he knew his mother had a sister , knew he had an aunt , but he was aware of her like one is aware of air ; its there , but not often acknowledged . at the natural proximity the planet would burn up , for the solar system was at a ripe old age and the sun , at a red giant stage . the boy comes back and sits down on the pile of old rags and smelly hay and stares at me , saying nothing . his mind lacked the give it should have had . 