i screamed , holding onto him by the shoulders . i was tired of taking care of her . after all , my great-uncle had been able to do it all those years back . she squared her shoulders and swallowed down a knot of fear . let her see the beast that was within him . i hurried after him , afraid he had seen something that needed rescuing . `` i did n't take the job because of your father . for when we speak of the big bang , it is always in the past tense . 