Most of them... most of us never figure it out. Bad dream, they think, or good one. Funny rash, never really goes away, but Doc says it's fine, nothing to worry about. Why dwell on it? But some people, they just can't let it go... Some people drink themselves out of school trying to find it again, trolling through bars where the shadows are so greasy they leave trails on the walls, just to find a way in, a way through. Some people forget too that you're supposed to stop sleeping, you're supposed to have a life in the sun.
Catherynne M. ValenteDonโt worry,โ Marya whispered, kissing his forehead. โMy old bones will follow yours soon enough.
Catherynne M. ValenteDeath is not a checkmateโฆit is more like a carnival trick. You cannot win, no matter how you move your Queen.
Catherynne M. ValenteTrue names,โ said September wonderingly. โThese are all true names. Like, when your parents call you to dinner and you donโt come and they call again but you still donโt come, and they call you by all your names together, and then, of course, you have to come, and right quick. Because true names have power, like Lye said. But I never told anyone my true name. The Green Wind told me not to. I didnโt understand what he meant, but I do now.
Catherynne M. ValenteHer heart was bruised by the kiss, smashed and surprised and unsettled by it. September thought kisses were all nice, sweet things asked for gently and given gladly. It had happened so fast and sharp it had taken her breath. Perhaps she had done it wrong, somehow. She put the kiss away firmly to think about later. Instead, she smiled at him and pulled a carefree mask over her face.
Catherynne M. Valente