`` like burning knives , '' she says , a tear dropping from each eye- and i reach out- and i touch my thumb to her cheek- just gentle-like- brushing one of the tears away- feeling her skin under my hand- feeling the warmth of it , the softness- feeling like i wan na just go on touching her for ever- and i 'm embarrassed to think this- and then i realize she ca n't hear it- and i start to think how awful that must be for her- and then i feel her press her cheek more strongly into my fingers- turning her head , so the palm of my hand is holding her- holding her there- and another tear falls down- and she turns more- turns so her lips are pressing against my palm- `` viola , '' i say- `` we 're ready to go , '' simone says , sticking her head in the tent .