it seemed that both of them were hiding fear under breakfast and work , and the walls showed no sign of coming down . there was muffled conversation , but they didnt come close enough . our father was downstairs , pouring himself a glass of orange juice as i settled for some freshly made buttermilk pancakes and maple syrup . `` you ca n't go wrong with anything . we had no idea that it was going to be so difficult and frightening . `` but why does it have to be my mate ? '' 