“Breathing in the scent of his hair, I realized I'd needed him my whole life, before we even met. First, his music and the way he taught me through books and recordings. Then, he saved my life and refused to abandon me no matter how much I deserved it.”

“He held on to me like I was a rock, the only thing keeping him from drifting out with the tide of dark memories.It was the first time I realized he need me too.”

“Music overwhelmed me, soaked into my skin like water. I didn’t have words for the squiggles and dashes across the pages, or the way his fingers stretched across the keys to make my heart race. If I could hear only one thing for the rest of my life, this was what I wanted.”

“I'll be around my whole life. That's a long time to me.”

“I had to drop my head back to meet his eyes, and the way he said my name--it was the same reverence people used in their prayers to Janan.”

“I regret I didn't wear a jacket, or I'd give it to you.""I still have my wings. It wouldn't fit.""I'd carry them for you.""They're attached to the dress. It was the only way I could get them to stay."He squeezed my hand, tone mischievous. "In that case, I'd be especially happy to carry the wings.""Sam!""It wouldn't be the first time I've seen you without clothes.""Sam!”

“I'd give anything to make things right for you." He caressed my cheek, my hair, my back. Everywhere he touched, the angry fires cooled. I wished he'd touch my heart. "But I can't. I can help, but the hard work is all up to you. If you don't feel real, no one else can do it for you. I promise, though you've always felt real to me. From the moment I saw you jump off the cliff.""Sometimes I feel like I'm still jumping off the cliff.”