`` the only people to see the real citizen one , '' the man or woman had spoken , `` are people about to die . billy re-loaded his rifle and then got to doing what he had to do . using the sleeve of the hospital gown he 's wearing , he wipes his tears from his face . `` because nothing , '' he said , coming at me again . one of the other students beside her put an arm around her , comforting her . she 'd been thinking about him ever since the wedding , hoping he 'd call . 