“How many mistakes can one life survive?”

“He's going to hurt you," Al said, looking at Pierce. "I can take care of you, teach you to survive. Be there for you, even if you do hate me."I shivered. "I don't want him," I said, and Al turned away, seeming smaller somehow.”

“The mistakes don't matter. It's what you do when you mess up that does.”

“He just wanted to hold her to him and tell her it would be okay, that she had survived and was beautiful.”

“Rachel, my itchy witch," Al said as he tugged the lace at his cuffs. "We've talked about this. You simply must stop collecting nasty little men. How many do you really need, love?”

“Yes, but . . .” She hesitated, her gaze finally coming to me. “I survived because I fell in love.” With you was unspoken.”

“Life was going on, and no one but a handful of people cared if I lived or died.”