when i nearly collapsed , my knee bent and all the staples popped out with an oddly cartoon-like ping , ping , ping sound . she glanced at him , hopeful that he would take the bait . they had to go single file . we set up two identical stages on the pier , side by side . and there were only two paths that could provide relief . the girl put a hand on her hip . i could check to see if she has had any more uninvited spider guests . 