i could n't remember the last time i 'd eaten . or else there might not be any more space left in the circle . it is not every day that one hears of another species . '' mike laughed , turning to face me . she asked when she noticed he was looking over at her . in fact , it was long past time . he nodded and understood that i needed to be alone to mourn my loss . the stone ... he had to retrieve it . then he slowly rose to stand upright . 