except , of course , he did n't see . the phone fell to the floor . nothing in them gave anything away . the principal 's office was behind a closed door at the back . she cast around , panic and desperation rising once more . its almost as if someone has sucked the spirit out of him . he just shook his head and closed his eyes , curling himself into a barefooted ball on the wooden legs of the visitor 's chair , head shoved against a pillow . its just so pleasant walking with you , jerry . 