i really wish you the best , i tell him . 'why do these stories always have to end that way ? ' she paused and blinked rapidly while she tilted her head to the side and stared at him . by now , my patience was running dangerously thin . with the book , though , we were one step closer . the smile had faded off his face . flash : now the station wagon is up ahead about a quarter of a mile , turning left . 