the poor girl 's shoulders shook harder as she did her best to curl into herself and escape . she would much rather it was clay 's father than clay . he didnt have to say a thing . i go further , everyone sits on the heels on ground . he sat me down on the bed . he 'd give her the answers she was looking for . he was laughing , a sound i 'd longed for so deeply that , despite myself , i laughed too . 