I looked at myself in that window, oblivious to all the people around me and I stared and smiled that particular smile. You know that smile that seems to knock you and tell you how pathetic you are? That's the smile I was smiling.

If I ever leave this place- I'll make sure I'm better HERE first.

He does something to me, that boy. Every time. It’s his only detriment. He steps on my heart. He makes me cry.

She didn't dare to look up, but she could feel their frightened eyes hanging onto her as she hauled the words in and breathed them out. A voice played the notes inside her. This, it said, is your accordion.

They'd been standing like that for thirty seconds of forever.

There was also a rumor that later in the day, she walked fully clothed into the Amper River and said something very strange. Something about a kiss. Something about a Saumensch. How many times did she have to say goodbye?

It was a Monday and they walked on a tightrope to the sun.