were not finished talking , the doctor said , a warning that they would resume the conversation at another time . `` well ... how do you feel about it ? '' as we walked along the pool , i watched where i was going very carefully . i turn my head only slightly , just so my ear is a little closer , but it throws me off balance and i slip . and that was the last thought she had on any off-work subject . `` how come i never met you before ? '' 