“I'm not much of a distance runner, more of a sprinter.”

“I crumple on my bed. For a second, i believed that what i wanted more than anything in the world had come true. For a second, i believed that my dad was back. but he isn't. He's gone again. he's really truly gone and i know it. i know i'll never see him again no matter how much i want to. The candle in me has blown out and i'm afraid, really, really afraid, because my biggest fear is true. i have to live my life without my dad, my running partner, the guy who taught me amnesty and sang john lennon songs really off key.”

“I am not a good fighter," I try to explain again, fingering the edge of my shirt. "I mean, I am really bad at fighting, not as bad as my friend Issie, who is possibly the least fightery person in the world. I mean, I'm getting better, but still... I mean-- oh I'm sorry. I'm babbling.”

“His reddish hair is rumpled, but in a deliberate I'm-in-a-boy-band way.”

“That's when I realize how much I don't want to be alone, how sobbing should not be a solitary sport..”

“I stare up at Nick. "You're late.".... "I had things to take care of," he says, all growly, looking away from me and staring Ian down. They do the whole I'm alpha - No, I'm alpha thing, with the staring and pulling the shoulders back and posturing.Devyn whispers to Issie, loud enough for us to hear. "They're so sad sometimes."She whispers back, "I know.”

“Who am I really? Am I still the same person if I'm not even technically a person anymore? Does being stronger make me different? Will it?”