his breathing increased rapidly and he started shaking from head to toe . it was n't just because she 'd been the only one he had n't been able to scare away . no , youre not , youre a great mother . over the sound of the gravel , and traffic and birds in the distance , i said , `` how 's your little girl ? '' eighteen it was two by the watch on my wrist . she whispered in my ear and stroked my hair . 