But in my heart I knew that just like the new grass, I wasn't strong enough yet to be walked on

It's easy to look back and see it, and it's easy to give the advice. But the sad fact is, most people don't look beneath the surface until it's too late.

It's disturbing how fast weeds take root in my garden of worthiness. They're so hard to pull. And grow back so easily.

Then I saw Juli. She was two tables away from me, facing my direction. Only she wasn't looking at me. She was looking at Jon, her eyes all sparkly and laughing. My heart lurched. What was she laughing about? What were they talking about? How could she sit there and look so... beautiful? I felt myself spinning out of control. It was weird. Like I couldn't even steer my own body. I'd always thought Jon was pretty cool, but right then I wanted to go over and throw him across the room.

...and I realized that Garrett was right about one thing- I had flipped. Completely.

So there I was, with the two hottest girls on campus, having lunch. I was "the man", the envy of every other guy in our school. Buddy, I was miserable." -Bryce Loski

I wipe away my tears and nod, because the pain in my leg is nothing compare to the one in my heart.