When Josey woke up and saw the feathery frost on her windowpane, she smiled. Finally, it was cold enough to wear long coats and tights. It was cold enough for scarves and shirts worn in layers, like camouflage. It was cold enough for her lucky red cardigan, which she swore had a power of its own. She loved this time of year. Summer was tedious with the light dresses she pretended to be comfortable in while secretly sure she looked like a loaf of white bread wearing a belt. The cold was such a relief.

When someone needs help, you help. Right?

She never thought she was good at making friends. But maybe she was just trying to be friends with the wrong people.

I lost myself trying to find happiness in things that didn't love me back.

Adolescence is like having only enough light to see the step directly in front of you.

The words were strung in the air like garland. She could almost see them.

If anyone had been paying attention to the signs, they would have realized that air turns white when things are about to change, that paper cuts mean there's more to what's written on the page than meets the eye, and that birds are always out to protect you from things you don't see.