I'm not hungry," Alexander whispered. "I'm famished. Watch out for me. Now, don't make a single sound," he said, moving on top of her. "Tania, God....I'll cover your mouth, just like this, and you hold on to me, just like this, and I'm going to-just like this-

Awash in a flood of hostility and despair, they battled and railed and shattered their bodies on one another, unable to find one strand, one sobering swallow of solace.

Tania, there is so much still ahead of you. Be patient with life

Alexander knew that before he had light instead of darkness, he had to deserve light instead of darkness.

When Tatiana looked up from her ice cream, she saw a soldier staring at her from across the street.

Love is, to be loved,” said Alexander, “in return.

Tatiana, I love you. Do you hear me? I love you like I’ve never loved anyone in my whole life. Now, get up. For me, Tatia. For me, please get up and go take care of your sister. Go on. And I’ll take care of you.” His lips kissed her cheek.