“And now I'm right back where I started. Sober and miserable.”

“But the moment our eyes meet, I'm right back under his spell, a helpless hunk of steel to his irresistible magnet.”

“Now, now." He smiles, "Don't you worry 'bout a thing. Damen's right where you left him. Though I must say I can't believe that you left him. I underestimated you. I had no idea. Though I can't help but wonder how Damen would feel if he knew. I bet he underestimated you too.”

“But I've strayed so far from normal now, I'll never find my way back. And the truth is, I no longer want to.”

“You and I are meant to be. It's the only thing I'm absolutely sure of. And while I have no idea what to expect, I promise I'll do whatever it takes to find my way back.”

“That was one time,and it was only for three days,as you well know-"But I barely get to finish before she's shaking her head, practically shouting, "It was four days,Daire. Four.""That's only because of the time difference and you know it," I mumble, thinking how sad it is that after weeks of not seeing each other,this is the way she chooses to greet me.But now that she's started,I'm not in much of a hugging mood either. "The point is,it was just once,and there were special circumstances involved sine I was"-enduring a vision quest/full-body dismemberment in a remote cave-"not feeling well...due to my injuries from the accident and all.”

“There is an old and very wise Native American saying: Every time you point a finger in scorn—there are three remaining fingers pointing right back at you.”