`` you said i could have a dog when i turned nine . i hesitated , debating whether to tell her more . whew , she said , then used her foot to slide the can of artichoke juice toward the stairs . some of them had embraced the new morality with open arms . the plastic wrap tore as he stripped it away . phoebe helped taking a bag from her shoulder . `` i want you to swallow your tongue . his movements are efficient and controlled , just like the man himself . 