But there was only one kiss that made me feel something stir deep inside. Only one that made me want more. But my head wound started bleeding and he made me lie down.

‎I'm not going anywhere. I'm going to stay right here and cause all kinds of trouble.

And suddenly, it's as if there's no one in the world but these two, crashing through space to reach each other. They collide, enfold, lose their balance, and slam against a wall, where they stay. Clinging into one being. Indivisible.

Sometimes when I'm alone, I take the pearl from where it lives in my pocket and try to remember the boy with the bread, the strong arms that warded off nightmares on the train, the kisses in the arena.

I miss home badly sometimes. But then I remember there's nothing left to miss anymore. I feel safer here.

I have not wept since the death of my parents," said Luxa quietly. "But I am thought to be unnatural in this respect.

Lay down your head, and close your sleepy eyes, and when again they open, the sun will rise.