To Potapov it is a event of great importance. He thinks it is especially strange that a father should outlive his son. He might feel some relief if he were able to share his grief with another human being--but all the passengers he picks up are preoccupied with their own thoughts and plans. Finally Potapov decides to quit work for the night and heads back to the stables. Evidently he does not want to be alone, so he stay with his horse for a while after he has unhitched her. He begins talking to her and imagines that she can understand him. Perhaps the horse really can understand his feelings even if she cannot understand his words.