but he never stirred and did not speak , letting his silence stand substitute for his support . `` i do n't know if i can handle these things on my own . '' `` i understand that completely , '' i say , opening the dresser drawer . the man lay in a crumpled heap on the floor . `` although i would recommend three square meals a day outside these walls . '' the bodies had disappeared , although no one made any attempt to wash away or clean up the blood and mess that was left behind . 