After those words, a silence once more began to stretch between us, and I thought desperately of what to say next.

I've got to get out of here, Ashley thought desperately.

At this rate, she thought desperately, the lunch hour will be over before I even get there.

I have to get to a com set, he thought desperately.

Only a month, he thought desperately; everything was really settled.

He was desperately thinking how to get out of this.

Please, God, she thought desperately, don't leave me in the dark with this thing.

There was a chill in the air, she thought desperately.

Please, God, he thought desperately, let this cup pass me by.

She'd never be able to make it through the apology, she thought desperately.