We believe that preparation eradicates cowardice, which we define as the failure to act in the midst of fear.

Beatrice," she says. "Beatrice, we have to run." She pulls my arm across her shoulders and hauls me to my feet. She is dressed like my mother and she looks like my mother, but she is holding a gun, and the determined look in her eyes is unfamiliar to me.

I have never had parents who set good examples, parents whose expectations were worth living up to, but she did. I can see them within her, the courage and the beauty they pressed into her like a handprint.

She taught me all about real sacrifice. That it should be done from love, not misplace disgust for another person's genetics.

Tricking someone into grief is one of the cruelest tricks a person can play, and its been played on me twice.

I love you" I say. "I love you, too" he says. "I'll see you soon.

I need the protection of seeming weak.