Brightbill continues struggling with the mystery of Roz. Because Roz is a robot, Brightbill wonders where Roz came from, what being a robot is like, and whether Roz will always remain with him. These questions make Brightbill's feelings shift between love, confusion, and anger.

Roz notices Brightbill's turmoil and tries to help by talking with him about families, geese, and robots. During one conversation in the garden, Brightbill asks whether there are other robots on the island. Roz explains that there are, but that they are inoperative, which for a robot is like being dead.

When Brightbill learns the dead robots are on the northern shore, Brightbill immediately wants to see them. Roz refuses because Brightbill is still young, promising to take him when he is older. Brightbill insists he is not a gosling anymore and argues that the refusal is unfair.

The disagreement escalates as Brightbill becomes angry and points out that Roz cannot fly, so Roz could not stop him from leaving. Roz stands over Brightbill, and Brightbill feels frightened of his mother for a moment. Acting on impulse, Brightbill runs to the pond, beats his wings, and flies away.