Great one @quantumg.
I think the kid had stolen the boat to travel far above the clouds to reach the unimaginable. As he was crossing one of the ethereal level, Phaethon appeared to advise that it may not be wise to go further! The Swan said: "First of all, aiming for good with a false start will not prove anything other than more tears and hatred left downside!". The boy was amazed and trying to grasp what he was experiencing. He didn't even remember the words spoken afterwards while watching The Swan drifting away and turning transparent silhouette and disappear.
Thanks for inspiration for imagination.