more than they could count offered to contribute towards an event where they could have a drink with him and give their well wishes , the local boy made good . they reached a broader corridor , and the old man glanced once toward its far end where a pair of heavy doors stood open . plate on my lap , i tried to lever myself up with my good hand and shift my back to the arm of the couch so i did n't have to twist so much to see the kitchen . no , it felt like the definition of safety . 