between me and the river was the broken line , and i looked at it , shaking . pippin was sitting on his pack in the porch . `` gee thanks , '' i managed , but still did n't move any closer . i meant it , she took a deep breath and thought about the consequences of what she was about to say . `` you told me that if i came to you willing , you 'd let her go . '' i was scared to talk because i was sure i was going to throw up . 