he was a sweet , gentle , kind man who would never hurt anyone . he asked as he followed us up the garden path . she was so tired she even fell asleep on the car and almost missed her stop . there was a part of him that wanted to slink away . that was when she noticed the clouds . but nobody is forced to do anything . so i did my best to look bored as she approached and offered me her hand , palm down . how long has he been gone ? '' 