between the storyteller and aunt pol there seemed to be a sort of hidden recognition . could the girl have been a local , and the wolf just been passing through ? she could put up with monsters . for awhile he did nothing but resist the urge to tear up . i picked up my foot , and it stuck to it like gum . beyond amazing applies to you too , you know . i 'm going to get you out , okay ? '' i demanded of the man at the foot of the stairs . 