of course ill be there too . i straightened a bit in his lap and tilted my head back . fred had been counting on that . `` i want you to go and see him , '' he said . they 're supposed to be there . but getting what i 'd asked for had never felt worse . his mind played out a fantasy of running , legs pumping , south along the train tracks , south to new orleans without stopping to catch a breath . he asked , eagerly strolling into the kitchen . 