It was like I’d stepped out into an afterlife. Only there were no angels.

There is no need to put your heart in a bottle, then you will die. - Ty from Stolen

You saw me before I saw you. You had that look in your eyes, as if you wanted something. Wanted it for a long time.

How long will you keep me?" I asked. You shrugged. "Forever, of course.

Nobody's bought this land. And no one's going to want it either. It's dying land, lonely land." "Like me, then," I said. "Yes, like you." You chewed the corner of your lip. "You both need saving.

One day they'll let you out of that dry, empty cell. You'll return to the Separates, and you'll feel the rain once more. And you'll grow straight, this time, toward this sunlight. I know you will.

You looked at me, your eyes huge. You we're like a dog then, waiting for me to throw you a bone . . . waiting for something I could never give you.