People tend to overestimate my character," I say quietly. "They think that because I'm small, or a girl, or a Stiff, I can't possibly be cruel. But they're wrong.

That's the first time I've ever said those words out loud, and now I hear how strange they are. How many young men fear that there is a monster instead them? People are supposed to fear others, not themselves.

I get the strange urge to hit my head against the wall. Other people's sobs make me feel uncomfortable.

You know I'm getting a little tired of waiting for you to catch on.

it's not about being fearless, it's about acting in spite of fear

Becoming fearless isn't the point. That's impossible. It's learning how to control your fear, and how to be free from it.

It isn't the height that scares me - the height makes me feel alive with energy, every organ and vessel and muscle in my body singing at the same pitch. Then I realize what it is. It's him. Something about him makes me feel like I am about to fall. Or turn to liquid. Or burst into flames.