“Who will see you through the darkness? "Me," I key in the answer. "I'll find my own way.”

“This is my vision-what I imagine I'll pass through on my way to the light. The blue sky, the clouds, the rays of light.”

“His invitation lingers. So does my question. Why me? I don't know the answer. When I look at myself in the mirror, all I see is a starving, stunted bird who never grew wings and lost all reason to sing.”

“You still have," I looked at my watch, "twelve seconds to change your mind. Find someone else and save your reputation."One side of his lip cricked up. "I found you. I'll take my chances.”

“I won't be alive so I won't care who finds me.”

“Secrets. I can't take then with me. If I do, when I go, when I arrive at my final destination, I'll be . . . impure.”

“Who becomes you? No one. No one should become me. When I die, I don't want my body or soul inhabited. I wouldn't wish me on anyone.”