Once upon a time . . . What time are we upon and where do I belong?

It's important to tell your story. It's important to listen.

If you were a mermaid, you said, If you were a mermaid, I was the sea.

He said, You're so tiny, like a doll, you look like you might break. I wanted him to break me. Part of me did.

I'll be inside the one who holds you. And then I won't be.

It was always a relief when she came home to him. Like water or food. Like music or that moment when you cut yourself with a knife and squeeze the skin and no blood oozes out.

There’s nowhere to escape,” Dobey said, jamming his hands into his pockets and staring into the Valley. That’s not true, baby,” said Desiree. She took his hands and pulled him to her, wrapping her legs around his torso. She could feel the sobs in both of them, but quiet, silenced by the kiss. They could escape inside each other.