“He moved closer to her. “You did not have to get me anything. The fact that you did means I have been in your thoughts. I am thankful for that.”

“You don’t annoy me.” Carefully he rebuttoned the placket of her shirt. “I thought you did, at first. But now I realize it was more like the feeling you get when your foot’s been asleep. And when you start moving, the blood coming back into it is uncomfortable . . . but also good. Do you understand what I mean?”“Yes. I make your feet tingle.”A smile came to his lips. “Among other things.”

“What did you do with your life? It seemed to be a question about values, not facts: What did you accomplish with the precious time you were allotted? How much have you loved with your life? Have you loved others as I am loving you? Totally? Unconditionally? I have shown you by the life I lived. I showed you by the death I died. And if you keep your eyes on Me, you will see more....”

“I'm strong thanks to you, Kyra. You're my strength." And who the hell was she to put that burden on me? I was her strength? Then what did that mean as the cancer ate her from the inside out? What did that mean as she got weaker and weaker and weaker? When the cancer migrated her brain and made her forget things and space out randomly? You can't rely on other people to be your strength. You have to be your own strength.”

“How did I get where I am.” If your answer is anything but dumb luck then you are sadly deluding yourself.”

“I'm her boyfriend. She really only have to listen to what I say."She moved closer to him. "I am gonna kill you today, Tom. I can smell it on the air.""Really?" he asked. "I would've thought the cigs'd taken care of your sense of smell by now.”