The Germans in basements were pitiable, surely, but at least they had a chance. That basement was not a washroom. They were not sent there for a shower. For those people, life was still achievable.

If a guy like you can stand up and do what you did, then maybe everyone can. Maybe everyone can live beyond what they're capable of.

Do we spend most of our days trying to remember or to forget? Do we spend most of our time running towards or away from our lives?

My voice is like a rumour. I'm not sure if it came out or not, or if it is true.

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

Warily, she dares to allow me a smile. "It's okay. It's just...I'm not too good at talking to people." She looks away again as her shyness smothers her. "So, do you think it'd be all right if we don't talk?

The nightmares arrived like they always did, much like the best player in the opposition when you've heard rumors that he might be injured or sick-but there he is, warming up with the rest of them, ready to take the field.