I know there was a time, when our country was new, when the assignment of these numbers helped organize something that was on the brink of not existing. But we are no longer that country. We are so much more now.

I let myself be sad. I let myself think of him.

I’ve met nearly every woman in this room, and I can’t think of one who would make a better friend. I’d be glad to have you stay." My relief was inexpressible. "Do you think," Maxon asked, "That I could still call you ‘my dear’?" "Not a chance." I whispered.

He wasn’t allowed to come with me there—my own rule for this little adventure. No more. Good-bye, Aspen.

P.S. May, don’t these strawberry tarts just make you want to cry?

Break my heart. Break it a thousand times if you like. It was only ever yours to break anyway.

You’re too beautiful for your own good. Once you leave, we’ll have to send some of the guards with you. You’ll never survive on your own, poor thing.