there , my lips against his skin , i whispered , `` it 's been a wild ride and i ca n't say over the years that i did n't wish i 'd made a different decision . what more can we say about it ? he had said it-the words there was no going back from . the boy knew we were following , but he was in no apparent hurry . a man ca n't ride you unless your back is bent . this petal was frail and upon peering closer i saw thin veins the color of poisoned rain water . 