Varian Johnson

“I unscrewed the cap and brought the purple-lined rim to my mouth. Then I almost hacked up a lung. Madeline remained motionless as I struggled for breath.'So what part of this is supposed to be fun?' I asked. 'Just relax,' she said. 'You can't rush the feeling. It takes a few minutes for the alcohol to take effect.' [...] She sat up and picked up the bottle. 'You having fun yet?''Of course. Can't you tell from my labored breathing and the look of pain on my face?”

“Just because he doesn't want to hear it doesn't mean you shouldn't say it.”

“Madeline, I know we can be a little conservative-''Conservative? How about down right mean?' She pointed at me, hard and angry. 'You people are quick to ask forgiveness, but won't think twice about condemning others for the same mistakes.' She shook her head. 'If I was God, I'd be pretty damn ashamed of how fucked up church has gotten.”