“Try not to trip," she added. "We don't have time for a concussion today."I groaned. That would be just like me - ruin everything, destroy the world, in a moment of klutziness.”

“That would be just like me-ruin everything, destroy the world, in a moment of klutziness.”

“Try not to trip. We don’t have time for a concussion today.”

“Can't you just thank me and get over it?""Thank you." I waited, fuming and expectant."You're not going to let it go, are you?""No.""In that case . . . I hope you enjoy disappointment."We scowled at each other in silence. I was the first to speak, trying to keep myself focused. I was in danger of being distracted by his livid, glorious face. It was like trying to stare down a destroying angel."Why did you even bother?" I asked frigidly.He paused, and for a brief moment his stunning face was unexpectedly vulnerable."I don't know," he whispered.”

“Not as bad! Not as bad! my mind tried to comfort me. It was true. This wasn't as bad. This wasn't the end of the world, not again. This was just the end of what little peace there was left behind. That was all.Not as bad, I agreed, then added, but bad enough.”

“It’s not fair!” Sunny wailed. “Why do you get to stay? Why can’t I stay, if you can?” I had to swallow hard. “That wouldn’t be fair, would it? But I don’t get to stay, Sunny. I have to go, too. And soon. Maybe we’ll leave together.” Perhaps she’d be happier if she thought I was going to the Dolphins with her. By the time she knew otherwise, Sunny would have a different host with different emotions and no tie to this human beside me. Maybe. Anyway, it would be too late. “I have to go, Sunny, just like you. I have to give my body back, too.” And then, flat and hard from right behind us, Ian’s voice broke through the quiet like the crack of a whip. ”What?”

“You…made…me…faint,” I accused him dizzily.“What am I going to do with you?” he groaned in exasperation. “Yesterday I kiss you, and you attack me! Today you pass out on me!”I laughed weakly, letting his arms support me while my head spun.“So much for being good at everything,” he sighed.“That's the problem.” I was still dizzy. “You're too good. Far, far too good.”