he seems to have complete control over her . `` i could meet you after work , '' she said . she gazed up at him , almost seeing him anew during that instant of being joined for the first time . i knew she was purposely evading my question because the answer had not come readily to her . she needs a punching bag , and i 'm it . '' `` oh i love it when you talk dirty . '' the tide of her illness was dragging her under again . you did n't distract him at all . 