nape of the neck; back of the neck; scruff of the neck
in succession; one by one
to stiffen; to become stiff; to harden
to die; to lay down life's burden
may; might; perhaps; may be; possibly
to hold in one's arms (e.g. a baby); to embrace; to have sex with; to make love to; to sit on (eggs); to brood
tightly; closely; exactly; precisely; suddenly (stopping); perfectly (suited)
bewilderment; perplexity; embarrassment; discomfiture; bafflement
with tears in one's eyes; on the verge of tears; with teary eyes; with a hint of moisture; slightly moistly; with emerging sheen
to be flustered; to lose one's presence of mind
crash; smash; bang; sound of a large, heavy object falling
by all means; at any cost; whether (one is) willing or not; willingly or unwillingly; on no account; by no means
to reseat oneself; to correct one's posture
careful thought; consideration; deliberation; reflection; rumination; pondering
to bring (something); to take along; to fetch; to get
novel; story; (work of) fiction
protagonist; main character; hero; head (of a household); proprietor (of a store)
to make snide remarks; to put into bad mood
serious; severe; grave; acute
treasuring; cherishing; prizing; holding dear
book; document; calligraphy (esp. Chinese); penmanship; handwriting; letter
it is, isn't it?; I know, right?; innit?
how about ...?; what about ...?; I wonder; I don't know
the eyes; expression of the eyes; area around the eyes
to lean (on, against); to rest (against); to recline; to rely on (someone); to depend on
next (e.g. "next April"); forthcoming; coming; to come; to arrive; to be due to
revival (of an old system, custom, fashion, etc.); restoration; return; resurrection; rebirth