He was in love, and people in that condition did stupid, unfathomable things. They were all flawed, every single one.

If I hadn't learned my lesson, I would have wished we could stay there forever. But I knew better now. We'd seen what we'd come to see. The way to trick death. Breathe in. Breathe out. Watch as it all rises upwards, black and blue into the even bluer sky.

I wasn't quite as certain that I knew her soul. When it came right down to it, I wasn't sure she knew me either.

What you dream, you can grow. Someone told me that, but I didn't believe it. I said I had nothing and that people with nothing are unable to dream. But I was wrong.

When I walk, I walk with you. Where I go, you're with me always.

Burn me. Drown me. Tell me lies. I will still be who I am.

I could hardly get a boy to look at me. All right, they'd look, they'd even take me out, but no one asked for a second date. I was too nasty, a real wise guy, and all the boys could tell what my rotten disposition was. Deep down, I wanted a commitment with a capital C. To get anywhere with me, a boy would have to sign his undying loyalty with his own blood.