as a unit , we close our helmets so that we fade in the same fashion . she had enough problems to deal with and- `` my niece . and i figured there was no harm in asking . if you arent open to further education then you are truly only doing it for shock reasons . the alarm sounded as she stopped turning toward the machine . he did n't know what it was , but out of habit and instinct , he pressed his forehead against hers and kissed her between her closed eyes . 