“Back then," he whispered, "I guess I was into masochism, because being there with you, so close when you were so untouchable, was pretty torturous." In the same whisper, Beth asked, "So why did you do it?" "Because not being with you was worse."-Beth and Levi”

“So I saw Beth today. She asked me how you were doing. Sounded like she wants you back.""We were over months ago.""You mind if I ask her out, then?""You mind if I spray a piece on the side of your gran's house?”

“Everyone's scared. So scared they can't sleep sometimes. Or eat. Or keep their weight on.""Then why bother playing?" I asked. It was a whisper, this question."Because. You love the game. You love the people you play with. You love winning, maybe. You love that one moment when you get it right . . . I dunno. Why do you play?""Because," I whispered, "it's who I am."Sounds like a good reason to me.”

“Beth,” he whispered. “Come back to me.”He brought more of his blood to her.“Damn it, don’t you die!” Candles flared in the room. “I love you, damn you! Goddamn you, don’t you let go!”

“I fell in love with you," he said, "because you were one of the bravest people I've ever known. So how could I ask you to stop being brave just because I loved you?”

“You have no clue," he whispered."No clue about what?" I whispered back."What you handed me last night."I took in a deep breath and asked softly, "What did I hand you, honey?""What's lyin' in that bed."That was when I stopped breathing."I claimed it," he went on. "But last night you gave it to me. Gift's given, no takin' it back. You get that, Tyra?""I think so," I whispered."Get that, baby, it's important.”