“Livia, I'm made of glass, but it only shows in the sun. I can't be caught in sunlight or everyone will know what I am.”

“My mother called the cops and demanded they remove me from the house. I was never sure if she had me removed because she was scared of me or mad that all her alcohol was in puddles mixed with glass and my blood. When the police and paramedics brought me into the sunlight, I saw. I saw the glass in my skin. The sun reveals what I really am, Livia. I hit a woman. My own mother. The glass and liquor seeped in, and I can’t get it out.”

“Honestly, I only went first because I’m a little afraid of her.”“Everyone is.” Livia smiled.”

“You’re so real. You have a bedroom and a brush. All the times I waited for you, I could never picture where you came from—what had made you so extraordinarily different. But you made you different.” Blake ran his hand along his neck, smiling shyly in her direction.“There are a million girls just like me.” Livia almost hated to point that out.“No. There’s only you.” Blake looked away from her and squinted into the sun.Look at him looking into the sunlight!”

“Her arms suddenly free, Livia stroked Blake’s face and whispered. “I see it, sweetheart. I was right—you’re beautiful when you’re glass.”

“Blake pulled Livia to him. “How do you manage to be so brave every day?”Livia put a hand on his smooth jaw. “I should ask you. Seeing you stand—here, of all places—in the sun to wait for me was amazing.”

“He followed the lines of her face and arms. Livia bit the inside of her cheek as he outlined her breasts. He knelt in front of her and traced her legs in the air.Livia held her breath. Will he stay? Can he stay? Please stay.On his knees, Blake kept his eyes on hers as he slowly pulled off his glove, finger by finger, until the sun shone on his bare hand.She saw the panic run through his eyes and lips. Livia broke her silence and grabbed his uncovered hand. “I don’t believe your skin is glass, but I believe in you.”Blake took another breath and squeezed her hand. He smiled as he looked at their hands in sunlight together. He released her to take off his second glove and stood up. He grabbed both her hands, and they were joined.”