Will promises his dad when he lay dying that he would take care of his mother and sisters—he says, “even if I died of working.” Why did the author choose “died” in this phrase?

Tobias wolff most likely named his short story "mortals" because the story explores the theme of people coming to terms with the idea that one day they too will die. wanting to find out what their loved ones really think of them. achieving immortalit by being "big people" while they are alive. hoping that they will have accomplished something before they die.