`` i 'm ready , '' she said when she 'd finished all of the salmon from her salad and most of the vegetables , leaving only the lettuce behind . the few regular army units that were still intact were being sent to defend a line through the sierra mountains . we lose the ability to feel , to hope , and to find purpose in anything we do . the man shouted filth at him , and kicked the dumpster so hard it shook . i thought your accent sounded a little different . '' 