the shot had n't hit him solid ; it had cut a path across the front of his head . `` it 's like a little city all in itself . '' with a sigh , i pull myself up and open the door a couple of inches . okay , i admit , maybe i could n't pay him the same level of confidence i might give a professional pilot . it was exactly how i 'd feel if something happened to him . the lady asked me , her voice strong but fair , another music of its own . 