i look out at the ocean and work the words out in my mind some more . let me take her , he muttered , grabbing her out of my arms . besides , he was knowledgeable and thoughtful , and his advice useful . even if he did n't always understand her needs , he 'd been a loyal friend . it was time to go to the meeting . we left nurse watkins in the hall looking for cockroaches and went to find some cheese and onion chips and gummy bears . 