Don't worry, Mel. Miracles don't work that way. I'll never lose you. I'll never let you get away from me.

You’ve never been a teenager, sweetie. You know what’s best for you.

Strange world isn't it?

It's over. We've all been sentenced to die.

I was just wondering why you stabbed him. Not that I object.

"You are the noblest, purest creature I've ever met. The universe will be a darker place without you," he whispered.

It will be as if I'd never existed, he'd promised me. I felt the smooth wooden floor beneath my knees, and then the palms of my hands, and then it was pressed against the skin of my cheek. I hoped that I was fainting, but, to my disappointment, I didn't lose consciousness. The waves of pain that had only lapped at me before now reared high up and washed over my head, pulling me under. I did not resurface.