Mama, Mama, put me to bed I wonโt make it home, Iโm already half-dead I met an Invalid, and fell for his art He showed me his smile, and went straight for my heart.
Lauren OliverMaybe he sees it on my face, that fraction of a second when I let my guard down, because in that moment his expression softens and his eyes go bright as flame and even though I barely see him move, suddenly he has closed the space between us and heโs wrapping his warm hands over my shouldersโfingers so warm and strong I almost cry outโand saying, โLena. I like you, okay? Thatโs it. Thatโs all. I like you.โ His voice is so low and hypnotic it reminds me of a song. I think of predators dropping silently from trees: I think of enormous cats with glowing amber eyes, just like his.
Lauren OliverAnd I have Julian. I found him, and he followed me. I reach out in the half dark, wordlessly, and find his hands. We interlace our fingers, and though he doesn't say anything either, I can feel the warmth and energy passing between us, a soundless dialogue. Thank you, he is saying, and I am saying, I am so happy, I am so happy, I needed you to be safe.
Lauren Oliver