“Don't wrench your shoulder out of its socket trying to pat yourself on the back," Beldin said sourly.”

“Try patting them on the back or shoulder and telling them everything is going to be fine. Lots of times when girls cry, they don't want you to fix the problem, they just want to be consoled.”

“Is this a good time to pat your shoulder?”

“We tried it again and it didn't work out. Sour milk is always sour milk. When something goes bad it stays bad.You don't put sour milk in the refrigerator one day,and take it out the next and expect it to taste sweet.”

“Keep close," he said. "It only gets more dangerous from here." I patted his shoulder. "Don't be afraid. I'll protect you.”

“Finally I knelt on the bed and placed my hand on his back. I patted awkwardly, hoping that was protocol for when someone was sobbing their eyes out. "hey." pat, pat. "It's okay. We'll bust out of here before they tag us." pat, pat, pat. I felt lame”