“I closed my eyes and rested my head against his chest, wishing sincerely that Rhiannon would get hit by a bus.”

“I rested my head on the wall behind me and closed my eyes, wishing my life had a button: Ignore All.”

“I rest my head on his shoulder and close my eyes, which keeps the business part of my brain temporarily disabled.”

“I press my ear against his chest, to the spot where I always rest my head, where I know I will hear the strong and steady beat of his heart. Instead, I find silence.”

“So who do you want to be?”I smiled, resting my head against his chest. “I’m not sure yet, but I’m looking forward to finding out.”

“I grabbed Aunt Prue's tiny hand, her fingers as small as bare twigs in winter. I closed my eyes and took her other hand, twisting my strong fingers together with her frail ones. I rested my forehead against our hands and closed my eyes. I imagined lifting my head up and seeing her smiling, the tape and tubes gone. I wondered if wishing was the same thing as praying. If hoping for something badly enough could make it happen.”