It’s a simple truth that a secret is something you’re ashamed of.

When what you want is a relationship, and not a person, get a dog.

A drop of poison on that gathering snow. That moment in the fairy tale when we know what just happened but the princess doesn’t.

That's what people do who love you. They put their arms around you and love you when you're not so lovable.

Because that’s how it works after something terrible has happened. You know this is true if something terrible has ever happened to you. A thousand objects take on new meaning. Everything is a reminder of something else.

But what I wanted back had never really been there. He was a temporary illusion, a mirage of water after walking in the desert. I had made him up. And he could have killed me. You've got to stop the ride sometimes. Stop it and get off.

Look right at it. Know you can." Dad said. "Look right at that fear. Fear is the biggest bullshitter.