mother opened her mouth , then snapped it shut . she covered her head a second before ... she lifted her hands , palms open , as if in invitation ; she raised her hands as if to receive a baby . her hand paused on the button . that will do me more good than going to ground . she nodded her head as he straightened . but they should all be home soon . he looks at me with very little love in his eyes . yet , the expression on his face was one of confusion . 