“Why was I thinking about this?Oh, yes—the roses.Something to keep.Something gone.”

“Oh yes. I was telling you about my research into the old Norse sagas- the mythology of ancient Scandinavia. Have you read them?”“Uh no.”“You’d like them, Cassie.” He waved the hand with the chalk in it. “All sex and violence.”I frowned. “Why would you think that I’d-”

“Four!" I call out. Why am I calling a number? Oh yes. Because that's his name. — Tris.”

“Oh, I'm starting to cry again. That's what happens when you think about life being fair. And I can't explain why it isn't . . . I don't think it's something anybody knows.”

“I think if Jesus would have been alive today, he would have been all about the pot. I think he would have really grooved on it, and that's why he would've gone to jail today.”

“And he was gone before she could think clearly enough to explain that her yes was a Yes, I'll marry you.”