but the door to the back porch was hanging open over the steps . and he did n't go back on his word . on bare ground again , she took a moment to brush the powder from her parka and pants and to shake it out of her hair . sitting near the ants on a low brick wall , i chew my candy until my milkman , mike , roars by in a big green truck . he clapped a hand over his chest with a half smile . i looked to marcus to guide me . 