empty houses , empty stores , buildings with their roofs crashed in from the weight of the snow . `` you know you can talk to me about anything ? '' he pulled her against his chest . she wasnt the kind of person who would do that , i think . i closed my eyes to stay calm . why not take the simple path , the known path ? he would defend with a strength few possessed . he opened the gate , stepped through , and locked it closed behind him . 