i step back and kick the door hard near the knob . she obeyed , and he hissed again at the first prick . even after we stopped- '' he paused , struggling . i thought it would make me look pathetic . '' which meant she would be , too . i wink at her , and she laughs quietly . he emptied the rest of his glass in one drink . `` thank you , '' i whispered , reaching out to squeeze his hand . he ate some more food , slowly . 