she 'd never be able to understand what i was going through , because i 'd never be able to tell her . for forty-five long , silent minutes , they waited . when she stepped back , i cleared my throat and said , `` i will . `` this is not how it ends ! '' brad opened the box , but she could n't bring herself to look at him . `` how do you expect me to read anything that close ? '' `` have you no thirst to punish those who have treated you so ? '' 