you do know the concept of self-help in this area , do n't you ? '' tears trembled in his lashes and he blinked them away without speaking . she smiles with food particles between her teeth . i hear her screaming through the phone . are the nails of my right hand that 's moved down to press on the back of his hand digging too tightly into his skin ? neither of them talked after that . i could hear the words , but they were n't making sense . 