she loved and admired the man who 'd adopted her , almost to the point of hero-worship . he put a plate in the microwave . `` i never had parents , but i know it ca n't be easy to lose him . '' he reached across the cab , took my hand and pulled me across the bench seat toward him . i reach out and touch the nearest photo . he would have wanted to draw out the torture , extend it for as long as possible . but now that i did ... `` no , i suppose not . '' 