Unexpectedly, a fierce sense of protectiveness comes over me. Except I fight it back because I can hardly look after myself these days.

I need voices of reason and of hysteria and of empathy. I need to have an Alanis moment. I need advice from Elizabeth Bennett. I need Tim Tams and comfort food.

Some of us weren't born for rewards, Froi. We were born for sacrifices.

When I turn around, he cups my face in his hands and he kisses me so deeply that I don't know who is breathing for who, but his mouth and tongue taste like warm honey. I don't know how long it lasts, but when I let go of him, I miss it already.

If I want more, I need to go and get it, demand it, take hold of it with all my might, and do the best I can with it.

Left alone with the dial tone...excuse me, operator, why is no one listening?

I think if I'm ever asked to recall what Year 12 was all about, I'll remember it as one big cappuccino experience.