he grasped it , pulled it on and was about to go back downstairs when he hesitated , padded over next to the wardrobe and pulled on a pair of old tan cowboy boots hed had for about fifteen years . `` so go ask him , '' al muttered , clearly not believing me . plus her mother had kids over after school for punch and cookies . ellis reached out and slowly grabbed the handle , giving it a slight pull . i stepped out on the porch , ready to go get breakfast by myself when i saw him . 