He sank into that kiss, and fed from me like a starving man holding off famine. I drank from his soul in preparation for the drought to come. And when he finally pulled away, my throat was thick with unspoken words, my heart heavy with every apology I'd ever denied him. But it was too late for promises. The time had come for goodbye.

His safety was more important than anything to me. Even if he would never know enough to understand that.

If I weren't already dead, I'd be alive with joy.

I love you, Kaylee. More than I've ever loved anyone. More than I will ever love anyone. If I could freeze this moment in time and never have to let you go, I would do it without a second thought.

And the truth was that most of Nash's friends weren't that bad. Their girlfriends were another story. Speaking of bloodthirsty hyenas...

...sometimes compassion is the greater part of honor.

So don't. Come hang out with me at work. We can play naughty dress up with the hospital gowns and rearrange the supply closets.