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

First frost meant letting go, so it was always reason to celebrate.

It was the best first kiss in the history of first kisses. It was as sweet as sugar. And it was warm, as warm as pie. The whole world opened up and I fell inside. I don't know where I was, but I didn't care. I didn't care because the only person who mattered was there with me.

Whenever I would get too nosy as a child, my grandmother would say, "When you learn someone else's secret, your own secrets aren't safe. Dig up one, release them all.

When your cup is empty, you do not mourn what is gone. Because if you do, you will miss the opportunity to fill it again.

Don't let anyone see your vulnerable spots. Once they knew how to hurt you, they would do it again and again.

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