As a maternal figure, I always try to keep the flock safe, of course. But I admit, it did my heart proud to see the instant blood-lust pop into Gazzy’s blue eyes and to see little Angel automatically tense up and get into fighting stance, ready to rip someone’s head off. They were just so — so dang adorable, sometimes.

Why, the little Voice inside my head, of course. You mean you don't have one? I did.

Gazzy: "What does that mean?" (points to metal plaque warning to stay off the third rail that said Stay off the third rail!) Fang: "It means the third rail has seven hundred volts of direct current running through it. Touch it and you're human popcorn.

Then I went to bed and cried into my pillow. I wasn't sad, not at all. It was just so beautiful to have an intense feeling and the right words at the same time. What are we but our stories?

I don't know about the rest of you who have little voices, but something about mine made me feel completely compelled to listen to it.

You're my best friend, my first and only love, and the most beautiful girl I've ever seen

Seize what's been handed you. Make smart decisions. Make decisions because life is a temporary situation.