it 's like his eyes could devour me whole . dry bits of flaky skin broke off beneath her hand . and soon his patience would run out . the minister pulled up to a series of concrete apartment buildings . with the help of the boy , he pulled himself up , until with a final grunt he swung himself over so he lay on his stomach , bent double over the branch . `` you first , '' i said again , feeling a little nervous . we are just two people in love , and life loves us back . 