So many of the things I've wanted are the things I've been taught to fear.

Linden just wants to protect her, is what I want to say. She's all he has. I left him. I'm at arms reach, but I've left him.

Life is much different from the days when there were lilies in my mother’s garden, and all my secrets fit into a paper cup.

Bet you never eat, he says. Bet you drink up the oxygen like it's butter. Bet you can go for days on nothing but thoughts.

Don't you miss it?" I say. "Being free." He laughs.

Maybe it is desperation. Maybe we can't let things fall apart without trying. We can't let go of the people we love.

I can hear my brother's voice in my head. Your problem is that you're too emotional. But how can I not be emotional, Rowan? How can I not care?