I do not want to die

From Spring Moon by Bette Bao Lord:

The child shook his head. Slowly the tears fell, like brave soldiers marching before the king.

"Was it a ghost?"

"I..." His words burst forth. "I do not want to die, I do not want to die like True Mother. Why do I have to die?"

Bold Talent put his arms around him, comforting him. "You see, if no one ever died, the world would be a terrible place. There would be too many people, no room to grow food or play. So it is better to have a season and live each minute until it is time to join our ancestors."