“I kept hoping, silently, that you would want to save her like you hadn't been able to save yourself.”

“You could only save someone that wanted to be saved; otherwise, you'd be dragged down for the count, too.”

“In reality, Lacy realized, this dividing line between her and Peter had beenthere for years. If you kept your chin up, you might even be able to convince yourself there wasnothing separating you. It was only when you tried to cross it, like now, that you understood howreal a barrier it could be.”

“Would you give up your vengeance against someone you hate if it meant saving someone you love? Would you want your dreams to come true if it meant granting your enemy's dying wish?”

“I became a firefighter because I wanted to save people. But I should have been more specific. I should have named names.”

“So don't judge me, unless you've fallen asleep on a couch with your ill child, thinking this night might be her last.Ask instead: would you do it?Would you give up your vengeance against someone you hate if it meant saving someone you love?Would you want your dreams to come true if it meant granting your enemy's dying wish?”

“Hope was a pathological part of puberty, like acne and surging hormones. You might sound cynical to the world, but that was just a defense mechanism, cover up coating a zit, because it was too embarrassing to admit that in spite of the bum deals you kept getting you hadn't completely given up.”