Spence sat up. “But that’s why these discussions are a waste of time. We don’t know what it’s like to die until we die. Maybe the bright light that people who’ve had near-death experiences see will turn out to be nothing more than the brain’s last attempt to stave off the horror of non-existence.” He paused. “It’s a pity that the first one of us to go can’t come back and tell the others what it’s like.”

Sandra made a face. “That’s an awful thought.”

Spence wore a strange expression, as if, even though it was his own idea, it shocked him. “What’s awful about it?” he asked. “I think it’s the best idea this club has ever had.”

Ilonka laughed uneasily. “I don’t want any ghosts knocking on my door in the middle of the night.”

”But what if it were a ghost you knew?” Spence asked. He addressed the whole group. “I’m serious about this. Why don’t we take a vow that the first one of us to die is to make every effort to contact the rest of us? What do you think, Kevin?

”You are suggesting that the one in question give us a sign?” Kevin asked.

”Yes,” Spence said.