I get up, because I’m supposed to, but if it were up to me, I’d stay in my seat for the rest of time.

I have to face the fear. I have to take control of the situation and find a way to make it less frightening.

How strange that something so simple could have been instrumental in my decision to ruin one of my most relationships and friendships, and damage another.

Ser sincero en todo momento debe requerir valor. Yo no sabría hacerlo.

I look up, and stop breathing. Eyes glitter in the darkness. Dark shapes sit in the car, more numerous than we are. The factionless.

And don't pay attention to Christina. Your face doesn't look that bad." He smiles a little. "I mean, it looks good. It always looks good. i mean--you look brave. Dauntless." His eyes skirt mine, and he scratches the back of his head. The silence grows between us. It was a nice thing to say, but he acts like it means more than just words. I hope I am wrong. I could not be attracted to Al-- I could not be attracted to anyone that fragile. I smile as much as my bruised cheek will allow, hoping that will diffuse the tension.

I feel acutely aware of how young I am. In a way that is good. It's productive. It makes me realise that I should be growing as a writer and a person.