Let'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.

Now she looks pale and small, but her eyes make me think of wide- open skies that I have never actually seen, only dreamed of.

You've never had a hamburger before?" asks Christine, her eyes wide. "No," I say. "Is that what it's called?" "Stiffs eat plain food," Four says, nodding at Christina. "Why?" she asks. I shrug. "Extravagance is considered self-indulgent and unnecessary." She smirks. "No wonder you left." "Yeah," I say,rolling my eyes. "It was just because of the food." The corner of Four's mouth twitches.

But now, I am also learning this: we can be mended. We mend each other.

I reach out and take his hand. His fingers slide between mine. I can't breathe.

I decide to do what I always do when I'm not sure what's going on: I act like everyone else.

Sometimes it isn't fighting that's brave, its facing the death you know is coming.