At the same time, though, I was beginning to wonder if this was just how it was supposed to be for me, like perhaps I wasn't capable of having that many people in my life at any one time. My mom turned up, Nate walked away, one door opening as another clicked shut.

So many versions of just one memory, and yet none of them were right or wrong. Instead, they were all pieces. Only when fitted together, edge to edge, could they even begin to tell the whole story.

If he'd been any other boy, and this was any other world, I would have kissed him. Nothing could have stopped me.

Grieving doesn't make you imperfect. It makes you human.

Impulsiveness can be charming but deliberation can have an appeal, as well.

You knew the truth all along, Colie. That's all matters. You knew.

And no relationship is perfect, ever. There are always some ways you have to bend, to compromise, to give something up in order to gain something greater.