What happened to you?" she asked. "I got hit in the side." "With what?" "A knife.

Among the problems with shame was that it in fact did not make you shorter or quieter or less visible. You just felt like you were.

You are perfect for a female." "Not where I come from." "Then they're using the wrong standard.

God, I miss you," he said in a voice that cracked. "Every night. Every day.

Fear of change was a weakness

In so many ways, he had wanted this his whole life—or at least ever since he’d survived his transition and had any sexual impulse at all. This moment was the culmination of countless daydreams and innumerable fantasies, his secret desire made manifest.

When she didn't continue, he shrugged. "Just let me bring you coffee. I want to wait on you. Makes me happy