“So spring break consisted of seven fun-filled days cooped up in thehouse with Jeffrey, who was grounded because he’d won the Regional WrestlingChampionships”

“Silver Avalanche coming up the driveway," calls Jeffrey from upstairs."What are you, security?" I call back.”

“The look that passes between Jeffrey and Kimber right then feels like it requires a swell of cheesy music in the background. Aw, I think. Baby brother's in love. I also find this kind of gross.”

“She’s one too,” I say simply, mostly because I know Angela wanted to spring it on him herself, and it makes me feel better to ruin her plans. “And she’s crazy, obviously.” Christian nods, like this revelation comes as no surprise.”

“You healed him until you passed out, until you stoppedbreathing yourself for a few seconds, and then Jeffrey thumped him on the chest a fewtimes, gave him a couple of puffs that I’m sure neither of them will ever want to talkabout again, and he came back. He coughed out about a gallon of lake water, but he cameback.”

“One minute you’re a happy fourteen-yearold—good at everything you try, popular, fun—the next you’re a freak with wings”

“He’s waiting. He’s still waiting. He’s given up everything for me. His entire life. His future. Everything, because he wants to keep me safe. Because he believes, in his heart, that he’s my purpose and I’m his.”