“Like so many of the bits of conversation I recall, the meanings hidden in childhood only become clear now that I write them down. Most were just small lessons, people trying to prove their virtue to each other, but because I wasn't supposed to be listening, I made things out to be more important than they were. Maybe that's why our childhoods seem so big, so resonant, while our adult years slip by like fish in the river Byk.”

“I remember that we are all young, and I feel youngness in me, that I can keep trying. You can try a hundred things in your life, and if nothing in those hundred makes you satisfied, you can still go on trying.”

“When you're eleven you think every idea is born with you, that no one ever tried it the right way before. Your example, your own honesty, will make you a hero to everyone who knows you - and better, it will make people come to their senses and stop telling vicious lies about each other.”

“...repeating helps people get over sorrow. Otherwise the words build up in you, a lamentation, and you can't stop grieving.”

“Vi?" Jag's soft voice called from the other room. I'd been soaking so long, the water in the tub was cold. I stepped out, careful not to get the book wet, and wrapped a towel around myself."In here," I whispered. He had switched the lamp on and was rubbing his eyes when I came into the bedroom."Hey."I slipped the book back onto the table next to his bed. "I didn't get it wet.""Not. That." His eyes raked over my only-towel-covered body with a hungry expression."Knock it off." I pulled the towel tighter and returned to the bathroom. He followed me, putting his hand on the door before I could close it. I looked anywhere but at him. Lying fully clothed in bed with him was bad enough.I couldn't help it when I drank him in, starting at his feet and slowly creeping up to his neck, past his chin, lips, nose to his eyes. When I finally reached them, my heart clutched almost painfully. I swallowed hard and cleared my throat, playing with the end of my towel."Vi, babe-""Don't talk like that," I said.He smiled his Jag-winner. I took a shuddering breath and tried to focus. "Don't smile like that either. It's not fair.""Okay, then. Let's talk about being fair." He carefully wove his fingers through mine. The way he studied the ground was adorable. He took a few slow steps back into the bedroom, pulling me with him."Jag-”

“Childhood isn't just those years. It's also the opinions you form about them afterward. That's why our childhoods are so long.”

“Tech simulations,” I said, the realization hitting me in the gut. “Jake, you’re so dead! You tricked me with that purple pill!”“But now you know you can’t control the elements,” he said.Like that made me feel better. “I hope you have a will!”“Blame Jag,” he responded.“Oh, I do,” I snapped. “Trust me, he’s going to die too.” I imagined the way he’d smile when he saw me. He wouldn’t even see my fist coming.”