“And changing for the better doesn't mean that he's ever going to reach good.”

“No one knew.Then Lily’s mum knew, of course.Then Lily knew.And then everyone knew. Everyone. Which changed the whole world in a single day.And he was never going to forgive her for that.”

“Just cuz yer going there and I'm staying here," I say. "It don't mean we're parting.""No," she says and I know she understands. "No, it certainly doesn't.""I ain't parting from you again," I say, still looking at our fingers. "Not even in my head.”

“I promised to keep on going but maybe keep on going means coming back first.”

“Me and Todd? Together against the Mayor?" She smiles. "He doesn't stand a chance.”

“I'll do it, Todd," I whisper. "I'll come with you."And he doesn't say anything, just squeezes my hand harder and brings it up to his face like he wants to breathe me in.”

“Are you being a good boy for your mum?” Conor’s grandma pinched Conor’s cheeks so hard he swore she was going to draw blood.“He’s been very good, Ma,” Conor’s mother said, winking at him from behind his grandma, her favorite blue scarf tied around her head. “So there’s no need to inflict quite so much pain.”