“But even if that were true, I was working hard. I didn’t know how not to.”

“Now I lay facedown on the bed, sobbing for the womanwho once slept here not knowing that someday one of herworst fears would come true”

“I don’t know, Laurel,” said David, and I loved how he said my name, like he enjoyed it.”

“It was true. I wasn't good with liking someone. my instinct was total self-preservation: show no sign of weakness. This was my pathetic way of being shy.”

“It was easier to be the victim, but it didn’t feel so great.”

“The only thing I knew for sure at that moment was that David would be back.If I was gone when that happened, would he leave again? For good?David, do you know that’s a chance I can’t take?”

“I sat parked for a while in the parent pickup lot, watching a bunch of little kids run relays up and down the field. To be nine years old. To have life simply about family and friends and who was mad at who and which games you wanted to play at recess, and getting gold stars on spelling tests, an feeling that first crush.Laurel, you had everything back then, and you didn't even know it.”