I am a ghost in a land of phantoms and forgotten nightmares.

Why can't you like me?" he said, his voice breaking. His scent steamed then, hot and heady with a welter of contradictions: apples and fire and electric roil of those cold, black shadows. "Why can't you like me just a little?" She would never know how she might have answered, because he never gave her the chance. Instead, he kissed her.

I am a ghost in a land of phantoms and forgotten nightmares.

But sticking to rules just because they're there does not make them right. You need to learn when the rules should be broken.

As a doc, though, I've seen what happens when people are under a lot of stress. Doesn't always bring out their best. When people are scared, they get angry. They'll do things they never thought they would. They'll bargain and compromise in order to survive; they'll chase after miracle cures and believe just about anything so long as it gives them hope. When hope fails, then watch out. Some people get brutal. They'll turn on each other; they'll become their own worst enemies.

Those brain-zapped kids weren’t the only - or maybe even the worst - enemy.

They call it the drowning instinct. It's when drowning doesn't look like drowning. (pg. 241)