Now you'll get to see how I can really run a building, darlin. Not even a cracked knee to hold me back, yeah? What a nice birthday present.
Marie LuI can feel his presence here in every stone he has touched, every person he has lifted up, every street and alley and city that he has changed in the few years of his life, because he is the Republic, he is our light, and I love you, I love you, until the day we meet again I will hold you in my heart and protect you there, grieving what we never had, cherishing what we did. I wish you were here. I love you, always.
Marie LuNow, as we stand three feet apart and stare at each other, I feel the full distance that comes with spending so much time apart, a moment filled with the electricity of a first meeting and the uncertainty of strangers.
Marie LuWhen youโve been poor all your life, you never really think it could be any other way. And sometimes youโre even happy, because at least youโve got your family and your health and your arms and legs and a roof over your head.
Marie LuSo, tell me,โ he whispers. โHow fast did you climb those fourteen stories?โ Thomas makes a disapproving sound in his throat, but I break into a grin. Stormโs past. Metias loves me again. โSix minutes,โ I whisper back to my brother. โAnd forty-four seconds. How do you like that?โ โThat must be some sort of record. Not that, you know, youโre supposed to do it.
Marie Lu