Kimberly Russell

“Everyone absolutely knows what a strawberry tastes like, even if you are allergic to them. Everyone absolutely knows what the toilet flushing sounds like. Everyone absolutely scratches their mosquito bites. And I know that I was absolutely ready to die. This wasn't a cry for help. I didn't want to be saved. I was ready to call it quits. Done. Terminado.”

“If grace was money, you could maybe buy a cookie.”

“He had a Chinese symbol tattooed on the crook of his arm. He says it means ‘peace’ but I’m almost positive it really means ‘cigarette’ or ‘coyote’.”

“I hate flowers. They’re all ‘Look at me - I make food out of sunshine.’ It’s such bullshit.”

“I think of all the things I will miss. I think about coffee, red velvet cupcakes with cream cheese frosting, Little Women, and Channing Tatum. Oh, how I will miss Channing Tatum.”

“It seems sort of unnecessary to prolong my life but I guess they can’t just let me die. I’m sure there would be paperwork.”

“This house is always going to be quiet now, I should get used to it. Laughter will no longer run rampant through the hallways, decorating each room.”

“He leans against me and gives a gentle push. I resist curving my neck into that place on his shoulder.”

“I am breathless, hopeless, and consumed. I now know that I am between balloons.”

“Our kitchen is stuffed with enough food to feed a small country. The refrigerator is full as are all of the counters. Liechtenstein can have it all. I don’t understand how broccoli casserole and Shepherd’s pie is supposed to help me forget that I won’t be seeing my mom anymore.”