Sometimes I see things, I think. Out of the corner of my eye, taunting me, and then it’s gone. And dreams. Such horrible dreams. What if something terrible happened to me? What if I am damaged?" The rain is a cool kiss on my sleeve as I link my arm with hers. "We’re all damaged somehow.

Petra turned to her. "Everybody lies about who they are. Name one person here who isn't doing that and I will drop out right now!" Shanti felt that snake of truth coil around her legs, threatening to squeeze. "I didn't mean..." "No one ever does." Petra said, shoving the baton back at Shanti.

We're still expected to color within the lines of accepted femininity, and women who step out of those lines are usually attacked, whether verbally or physically.

There were few things worse than being ordinary, in Evie’s opinion. Ordinary was for suckers.

She knew what it was to wait for someone who would never come home. She knew that grief, like a scar, faded but never really went away.

I know because I read. Might I suggest you try it?

I do not want to pass the time. I want to grab hold of it and leave my mark upon the world.