I fall down and my palms split open against the gravel. Injuries on the outside are easy to endure and I get up without hesitation.

I love you, Ella May and nothing will ever change that. You can push me away -run away – and I will still love you.

I just let the pain take over, allowing it to numb the pain of being left behind.

That’s you. Callie, you’re the only person that’s ever made me feel happy about anything. That night you saved me, you changed something in me—you made me want to live.

I take my time because I love how it feels to carry her, the way she needs me, the way I need to protect her.

I just don’t see the point of talking unless there’s something to say.

It's what's buried deep inside that frightens me because it's broken, like a shattered mirror.