he often did n't understand jonas , but he had been riding with him since the age of fifteen , and knew it was usually better not to ask for enlightenment . she opened her mouth to say something to miles about it , then snapped it shut again . flannel had not been a good choice-either that or it was stress . `` you must work very long hours , '' she said . she quickly flipped through the pages to find another story , then another and another . mack 's eyes were cold as they met hers . 