his mother , may she rest in peace , had taught him well . you were scared and now youre having a delayed reaction . she sat back down on her side of the cozy fire . she turned her head a little to one side , staring at me . she was pretty certain he forgot to breathe for a moment . they were still sore from maya and her friends . she put her hand to her ear , as if she was waiting to hear my answer . i could n't give her more than that-and stay alive myself . 