he wanted to say something to make the situation less painful for her , but being nice only gave her false hope . but you could n't even do that ! '' he insisted on going in ahead of us in case dan was waiting in ambush . she was exactly what he needed and he was two seconds too late , like always . the bum sat down at the table . i lifted my head up enough to meet his eyes . she 'd bring the baby home from the hospital wrapped in the pale yellow blanket she 'd knit herself . 