he let her lead the way , but after a few steps she glanced at him over her shoulder and said , `` what 's with the fennel ? '' and she didnt disagree with him . that he had a vague feeling they had been together , somewhere , not there . i didnt want to get into trouble for fighting and i knew you wouldnt let me out again if you knew . she was sobbing , he realized , her cheeks wet with tears . it didnt preserve the higher functions . 