`` hey , '' she said with a soft smile . he was allowed to take his council car home at night ; it was strictly for council use only . my heart is pounding out of my chest . rise , my army , it is your time . there was nothing above him , or in any of the four directions , so he lowered his head to the ugly remains . the loss of her presence was still too fresh . before i can respond , a volleyball collides with my skull . 