or even someone who was n't willing to listen to what i liked and did n't like , and what i needed and did n't need ? the words circled around and around her head like a charm until she knew what she must do , and she opened her palm wide to reveal the white pearl , pale and brilliant , and threw it directly into the creatures face . `` no one can follow us when we 're on foot ? '' a quickly produced cup of coffee with two extra-strength aspirin took the edge off her headache . 