besides , cooperation is always involved on some level , no matter how submerged that level may be . he was about to slide it into the lock when he spied a dab of pink frosting smeared on the backside of his hand . as she struggled to pull him away from the landing , his arms thrashed against her , and he struck her across the face . some of the concepts stood in pairs , others alone . upstairs it was as quiet and empty as below . 