I am concussed," I announced, entirely sure of my self-diagnosis.

Like many people, I feel like celebrating. Remember this feeling. It is human, and can help us understand when others express bloodlust.

Scared isn't a good excuse. Scared is the excuse everyone has always used.

But I will say this: When the scientists of the future show up at my house with robot eyes and they tell me to try them on, I will tell the scientists to screw off, because I do not want to see a world without him.

I know it's impossible for you to see your peers this way, but when you're older, you start to see them--the bad kids and the good kids and all kids--as people. They're just people, who deserve to be cared for.

You may be smart, but I've been smart longer.

The light filtered throught the leaves and pine needles above as if through lace, the ground spotted in shadow.