Despite our differences, we did have a history. No one understood where I was coming from the way he did.

I was beginning to see, though, that the unknown wasn't always the greatest thing to fear. The people who know you best can be risker, because the words they say and things they think have the potential to be not only scary but true, as well.

Get back on that bike.

Just because something's damaged doesn't mean it shouldn't be treated with respect.' 'Ad,' Wallace said, 'it's a coffee table, not an orphan.

There was nothing, nothing to depend on. And why was I surprised?

Now I felt like I was drifting, sucked down by an undertow, and too far out to swim back to the shore.

I was bored. Sad. Lonely. It was only a matter of time before I cracked.