`` he said it was my decision , '' i said . i didnt know if he thought id crumble into a ball of tears or what , but he had another thing coming if hed come to that conclusion . i am this close to being that sort of a person already , he declared . the engine and the wind made it difficult to talk , but i was content with my thoughts . she would need to take care for the rest of this winter , but her lungs would eventually heal completely . 