. . . and I don’t expect him to suborn his life into mine any more than I would change my dreams for him. We’re not one soul, one being, however much we love each other.

But the world moves on, even when you don't want it to, even when change feels like the end of everything. It never stops.

He would bear scars because of me, as I carried them for him.

Sometimes broken things heal crooked. The pieces didn’t fit anymore.

There are quiet ways to die where the body just doesn’t notice that the heart is gone.

I felt like the blonde in every horror movie who hears a noise in the basement and goes to investigate alone. Sometimes you smell the stupid all around you, but you step in it anyway.

If this is the last time, let me say it so you never forget. I will always love you, Deuce. No matter where souls go, mine will be looking for you, solnyshko moyo." "No. I want a promise instead. Promise you'll fight like you never have, so when the dying stops, you'll be on your feet looking for me here." "I swear.