I know they're not getting divorced or anything, but when your parents argue it makes the whole universe seem like it's tipping, like everything could change if they got mad enough at each other, like the world isn't a safe place. And of course, that's true, isn't it? The world is not a safe place.

I swear, I have no understanding of other human beings.

There was nothing I could say in retaliation except something that would confuse her.

When you hate someone you used to love, and you think he's done something awful - he probably has.

My heart spasmed among the peonies like a trout.

Secrets are more powerful when people know you've got them.

Silence is a protective coating over pain.