“Clara," he says, my name sounding different somehow when it passes through his lips. "I'll miss you.”

“So did you really mean all that stuff you said when I was a dead man?""Every word.""Could you say it again?" he asks. "My memory's a little fuzzy.""Which part?" The part where I said I wanted to stay with you forever?""Yeah," he murmurs, his face close to mine, his breath hot on my cheek."When I said that I love you?"He pulls back a little, searches my eyes with his. "Yes. Say it.""I love you."He takes a deep, happy breath. "I love you," he says back. "I love you, Clara."Then his gaze drops to my lips again, and he leans in, and the rest of the world simply goes away.”

“His name is Christian,” he calls back. “Can you believe that? We came all this wayso Clara could save a guy named Christian.”“I’m aware of the irony.”

“You like me, Clara, he says. "I know you do.”

“Have a nice life, Clara,” he says. “You deserve to be happy.”

“Clara,” he says quietly. “I think it’s time you told me about what happened in Italy.”

“Fine.” He smirks at me. “Nice to meet you, Carrots,” he says, looking directly at my hair. “Oh, I mean Clara.”My face flames.“Same to you, Rusty,” I shoot back, but he’s already striding away.”