the downstairs rooms had been cleared of furniture , save for a stray piece or two . they explored one another for the next hour until he reminded her yet again of their purpose in his room , not that he wanted to stop the other more exciting activities . she lowered it briefly , gave me that look , said , not funny , and raised the newsprint between our line of sight once again . we sat down and he grabbed my hands . the night started with brad calling every half hour . 'is it the end of the world ? ' 