and if no one survives then how do the stories get out ? just inside , she drew up short . he sat down at the end of the couch . at least her imagination insisted on that interpretation . he was like a beautiful painting that had been lost in the basement and was covered in dust . `` let me take you coat , '' he spoke into her ear . the truth was he 'd been very quiet . a boy came out the room with what an essay in hand . 