but she was struck dumb instead . my heart sinks further and further down with each word , i can see it happening . there was a battered solid fuel stove at one end of the room with a collection of dog beds beside it , a large wooden dresser to one side and a series of cupboards and shelves . he unloaded the car and started the gas grill on the deck . and by together , i mean we sat next to each other . i turned my head so that i could glare at them both through my bangs . 