I don't know why I still feel this pit in my stomach whenever I get a moment to think. I know what the pit is, too; I feel lonely. But I'm not alone, I keep telling myself.

There were hugs. There were words said by each of them. I don't remember what they were. Nothing haunts me more.

My breathing is controlled, but all the fear and anger within me. Fear is too simple a word. Terror. That's what I feel.

She reaches up and pulls my face to her and kisses me, her soft lips on mine. I don't want her to stop kissing me. As long as she is, then everything is fine. Everything is right, I would stay in this room forever if I could. The world can pass by without me, without us. Just as long as we can stay here, together, in each other's arms.

She asks if I left a girlfriend behind when we moved. I say no, and she smiles, which just about ruins me.

When you have lost hope, you have lost everything. And when you think all is lost, when all is dire and bleak, there is always hope.

The wind is knocked out of me; and when I look up, I see Nine spitting blood out. He's grinning. "Are you crazy?" I ask. "You're enjoying this?" "I've been locked up for over a year. This is the best day of my life!