Wars are often waged not because of what we believe, but because of the things we want others to believe.

They meet in the girls' bathroom. The last time they were forced to meet in a place like this, they took separate, isolated stalls. Now they share one. They hold each other in the tight space, making no excuses for it. There's no time left in their lives for games, or for awkwardness, or for pretending they don't care about each others, and so they kiss as if they've done it forever. As if it is as crucial as the need for oxygen.

If your heart tells you something but your mind tells you something else, which do you believe? Both are just as apt to lie. In fact, they play at deceit all the time. Mostly they balance each other, giving us that crucial reality check. But what happens on the rare occasions when they conspire together?

Looks are deceiving," Risa says. "After all, when I first saw you I thought you looked reasonably intelligent.

Anger is only our friend when we know its caliber and how to aim it.

That's wisdom you can take to the grave, and dig up when you need it!

What's the point of living if you're going to hate the world? Guard your heart if you have to, but don't shut it away.