He took her in his arms right away. "I'm so sorry," he murmured in her ear. He rocked her, saying it over and over. But no matter how many times he said it, no matter how much she knew he meant it, the words stirred around in her ear but didn't get into her brain. Sometimes he could comfort her. Sometimes he said what she needed, but today he couldn't reach her. Nothing could.

I did love her. I've loved her from the first time I saw her.

She knew whose love she doubted. It wasn't her parents' and it wasn't her friends: It was her own.

Wish for what you want, work for what you need. -Carmen's grandmother

You'll turn out ordinary if you're not careful.

Every life I start with her, my original sin. I know myself through her.

You forget your victories, but you remember the losses.