In my own relationships, I know that I should break up with someone who doesn't encourage me to be strong and make my own choices and do what's best in my life, so if you're dating someone who doesn't want you to be the best person you can be, you shouldn't be dating them.

I think about pressing myself against him, but I can't, because all our secrets would keep a space between us.

I have discovered that sitting still leaves little spaces for the grief to get in, so I stay busy.

"But please, when you see an opportunity..." He presses his hand to my cheek, cold and strong, and tilts my head up so I have to look at him. His eyes glint. They almost look predatory. "Ruin them."

I should wonder what courage—which is the virtue they most value—has to do with a metal ring through your nostril.

Blood is a strange color. It's darker than you expect it to be.

But I will find new habits, new thoughts, new rules. I will become something else.