it had been a perfect healing ground , but it meant traveling a distance with his body already drained of strength . maybe this will be the last time . `` can you taste yourself in my mouth ? '' he swallowed and stepped back out of the ring of coals . uncle russ walked to his side of the desk and lowered himself into his large , leather chair . she says , not even really shaking my hand , so much as pulling it toward her , pulling me toward her . 