her heart was already racing in a way she 'd never before experienced as it tried desperately to supply the oxygen this race required . he struck a match , lit the first candle , and used it to light two others . i had the shock of my life . i left it that way and walked up dusty steps that creaked and groaned in protest . yes , that expresses it , he thought . `` for one week i will be your master . at the next village , my mother chose to stay behind . 