Aubrey, crouching on a nearby counter, watched me with squinty eyes, apparently pondering why anyone would willingly immerse themselves in water ever, let alone for extended periods of time.

I used to think you were weak and just didn't fight back ... but now, honestly, I think you're actually pretty tough. It takes a hell of a lot of strength to not complain and lash out.

Nothing he said could change what I think of you. I've had my mind made up about you for a long time... and it's all good.

You…you need to move on,” I managed. Yes, that was a sound reason. “You need to find someone else. You know I don’t—that I can’t. Well, you know. You’re wasting your time with me.” He remained firm. “It’s my time to waste.

Did you know that it's a lot harder to put organs back in the body than it is to get them out?

I clung to that spark of hope, nurturing it into a small flame that chased some of the shadows in my heart away.

Howʹd you get here?ʺ I asked. She winked. ʺYouʹre not the only ones who can steal cars. Or, in my case, get people to ‘willinglyʹ lend them.