Everyone seems to want more form me. I am a thoroughly disappointing girl around. I shall wear a scarlet 'D' upon my bosom for all to see so that they will know not to raise their expectations.

There is never any turning back Gemma. You have to go forward. Make the future yours.

He wanted to hit something or someone. He wanted to burn up the whole world, heal it, and burn it down again.

The wind picks up. It sends leaves scurrying for cover until a softer breeze blows through, settling them down again as if to say, Shhh, there, there, it's all right. One leaf still dances in the air. It spins higher and higher, defying gravity and logic, stretching for something just out of reach. It shall have to fall, of course. Eventually. But for now, I hold my breath, willing it to keep going, taking comfort in its struggle.

Taylor clapped for attention. “Miss New Mexico, let’s not get all down in the bummer basement where the creepy things live. There are people in heathen China who don’t even have airline trays. We have a lot to be grateful for.

I want to ask him if it’s possible that a girl can be born unlovable, or does she just become that way?

We sit and listen and are enthralled anew, for good stories, it seems, never lose their magic.