little pieces of dead sea oats and bits of shell dropped from her cheeks and chest and hips and legs as she moved . but mae had agreed , for better or for worse , and now there was no turning back . `` why did n't you just take from me ? '' how far north were we swept last night ? '' despite my mood , i smiled , pointing at the ladder that led up to the platform . `` the condolences may be premature , sir . '' she tried to take a step backwards but ended up falling . 