It was like I existed in a kind of parallel universe, thinking thoughts and feelings that no one else understood.

It didn't make me glow. I felt more like I was fading away, like the world had forgotten me.

I’d never seen a man cry before, only on TV. I’d never even seen Dad close to crying. Those tears looked so odd on you. It was like the strength of you just seemed to sap away. The surprise of it stopped me from being so scared.

How would she find her herd? How would she find you?

Because it's magic, this place . . . beautiful. And you're beautiful . . . beautifully separate. It all fits.

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.

I remember that feeling of skin. It's strange to remember touch more than thought. But my fingers still tingle with it.