This is what daughters did. They left, and came home later with lives of their own.

When I pictured myself, it was always like just an outline in a colouring book, with the inside not yet completed.

But I always worked harder when I was up against something, or when someone assumed I couldn't succeed. That's what drove me, all those nights studying. The fact that so many figured I couldn't do it.

You could just tell when a person belonged somewhere. That is something you can't fake, no matter how hard you try

Okay, so if that's not real, what is? What counts, to you?" He thought for a second, then said, "I don't know. Just because someone's pretty doesn't mean she's decent. Or vice versa. I'm not into appearances. I like flaws, I think they make things interesting." I wasn't sure what answer I'd expected. But this wasn't it. For a second, I just sat there, letting it sink in. "You know," I said finally, "saying stuff like that would make girls even crazier for you. Now you're cuteand somewhat more attainable. If you were appealing before, now you're off the charts.

I wasn't very happy in high school: it was a confusing and sort of sad time for me.

Sometimes really, really bad things happen to people, and there is no explanation and no reason whatsoever.