i took a breath and reached out to hold her hands in mine . i 'm about to nudge him with my elbow when i hear his voice in my head : `` it 's not her ... . '' `` what ? i think soda crackers and coffee are the only items on the menu tonight . when i finally do hear her steps down the hall , she does n't even pause at my door before she closes her own . the rest of his cousins were outside because it was damn hot in here . 