When I first saw Ellie, I knew it was her-- she was my fantasy. I didn't want it to be true, but every time I met her it was obvious, and the funny thing was that she was better than the fantasy, like I got more stuff than I'd imagined.

She needed food. Diets didn't count in a crisis.

Don't pretend to care. I don't need you as an anesthetic.

I imagine horses in the engine, their manes flying, their breaths steaming, their nostrils flaring as they gallop.

Are you afraid, Tessa?

Was this love? Because it hurt. It was like a bit of glass stuck somewhere important--his heart or his head, and it was throbbing.

Is this how it is for everyone?' she whispered. 'No.' 'How do you know?' 'I just do. I've never felt this with anyone before.' 'Serious?' 'Serious. That isn't a line.' 'Kiss me,' she said. He did. Everywhere.