they did n't speak as they rode the elevator down with another couple to the parking lot beneath the building . when i returned , my clothes were gone . `` the papers are ready , '' he continued . i tell about my childhood with her . awkwardly she sank to her knees and leaned forward , pressing her forehead into the prickly blanket of winter grass . our defenses can only slow them down . she shook her head , drew away from him . `` please do something to save her . '' i croaked his name and he turned . 