It's the way he says my name: like music.

That’s what made it so frightening to the lawmakers: Love obeys no laws other than its own.

A string of bright white buildinh, glistening like teeth over the slurping mouth of the ocean.

He looked at me like I was beautiful.

But the guilt goes even deeper than that. It, too, is dust: Layers and layers of it have accumulated. Because if it weren’t for me, Lena and Alex would never have been caught at all. I told on them. I was jealous. God forgive me, for I have sinned.

The secret is,” I say, whispering right into his ear, “that yours was the best kiss I’ve ever had in my life.” “But I’ve never kissed you,” he whispers back. Around us the rain sounds like falling glass. “Not since third grade, anyway.” I smile, but I’m not sure if he can see it. “Better get started, then,” I say, “because I don’t have much time.

Old words; words that nearly brought me to my knees. Live free or die