“There’s something different about him, and I don’t have to think hard to see it. Something about the way he takes over a room, the way he looks at me, like he has already identified and can disarm every one of my defense mechanisms with no effort, like he sees through them to the disaster lying beneath. And he wants it.”

“Do You think it matters if they're tiny or deep? he asked. Well, if they're not tiny breaths and they're not deep breaths, then they're just ... breaths. Then you're just breathing for the sake of ... breathing. ... Seize them. Feel them. Love them ...”

“No human can bury their past indefinitely. It’s only a matter of time before you crack.”

“There’s no getting better, Storm. This is it.” There’s no coming back from the dead.”

“Society is better off with me in a gym.”

“Must have been some kind a nightmare.”“Yeah,” I answer, my usual calm, vacant voice returning. “Can’t wait to wake up.”

“He leans in closer and closer until his breath caresses my mouth. I’m paralyzed. I swear he’s going to kiss me. I swear I’m going to let him.”

“I could lay here and stare at him forever. I don’t want to let go. Ever.”

“I barrel into his arms, my mouth connecting with his. Seizing him. Feeling him. Loving him.”

“What’s wrong is that every morning and every night, I lie in bed wondering why you’re not beside me.”

“What the hell do I have to do to get your attention? Do I need to get up there?” I throw an arm toward the stage. His eyes swell for just a second, in shock. He reaches forward to hold my hands, but he catches himself in time and instead folds them across his chest. “Believe me, you have my full attention.”