he looked sideways at me , his face hardened . `` i did n't really get a chance to ask him . '' the man scowled at him as he passed . i tried to smile as my uncle 's image faded entirely , but grief hit me in a fresh wave . i need to get home , assess the damage , make a plan . that 's why we ca n't tell him . '' not giving her a chance to give the man a penny he took her hand and pulled her along behind him . 