'' you can take us home and the number is there and when we get there we can call her to tell her we 're home safe and sound . is n't that a good idea ? '' sami was moving too fast for the lady . '' well ... '' the woman began , looking doubtful . '' it 's really nice of you to help us , '' said sami

'' how many are still alive ? '' '' look , edmund , i 'm only telling you this because i want you to do something for me . '' '' father ? '' '' only three children that had a music class with sister chantale are still alive . you , nicholas , and simon . '' '' well , nicholas is here with me , but simon

'' judd , i 've told you , he 's just a friend , '' she shot back in growing exasperation . '' he was engaged to another friend of mine named evie newcomb . before i left for hong kong they were having some problems . today steve called me up and said he and evie were through and could he cry on my shoulder . i said yes . that 's what friends are for , you see , judd

i would n't be so raw with emotion and loss . i could handle this tomorrow if i had noah tonight . i started running again , the world a smear of gray rain across gray sand and ocean . the green of the grove had ended . another pang hit me . our sandcastle was gone . i could see it crumbling under the incessant pounding of rain , melting back into the
beach