Yesterday he told me he thought I would have to pretend to be weak, but he was wrong. I am weak already. I brace myself against the wall and press my forehead to my hands. Itโs difficult to take deep breaths, so I take short, shallow ones. I canโt let this happen. They attacked me to make me feel weak. I can pretend they succeeded to protect myself, but I canโt let it become true.
Veronica RothIโd ask you to hang out with us, but youโre not supposed to see me this way.โโฆ โWhat way?โ I ask. โDrunk?โ โYeahโฆwell, no.โ His voice softens. โReal, I guess.โ โIโll pretend I didnโt.โ โNice of you.โ He puts his lips next to my ear and says, โYou look good, Tris.โโฆ I laugh. โDo me a favor and stay away from the chasm, okay?โ โOf course.โ He winks at me.
Veronica RothLet's just hug already," he says. Keeping one hand firm on Caleb's arm, I wrapped my free arm around Zeke, and he does the same. When we break apart, I pull Caleb down the alley, and can't resist calling back, "I'll miss you." "You too, sweetie!" He grins, and his teeth are white in the twilight. They are the last thing I see of him before I have to turn and set out at a trot for the train.
Veronica Roth