I know they are naught things, but I devour novels.” (p. 57).

Rin slept inside the oak’s thought. Its own memories of weather and growth continued to hum, and like a pond, its stillness reflected back herself.

I don't know how you persist in being so stubborn-" "It's a superpower. I was bitten by a radioactive mule.

He smiled in a way that made me want to kiss him right on the spot. Or the lips. Whichever was closer.

They laughed much harder than the memory was funny because it felt good to laugh.

Right now I'd like all my troubles to stand in front of me in a straight line, and one by one I'd give each a black eye.

The three girls were sitting and lying beside her, holding one another, weeping, their arms and legs and hair tangled like the roots of close trees, sobs shaking them like leaves in a high wind.