“The moment I see her, there’s a rumbling in my chest, and my mouth is as dry as a desert. This was something sure to be crammed full of warmth secrets, like an antique clock built when peace filled the world.”

“This was something sure to be crammed full of warm secrets, like an antique clock built when peace filled the world.”

“For most of the day and night, time oppresses me. It is only when I am at work on the innards of a clock-or a lock-that time stops.""The clock stops, you mean.""No. Time stops, or so it seems. I do not sense its passage. Then something interrupts me-I become aware that my bladder is full, my mouth dry, my stomach rumbling, the fire’s gone out, and the sun’s gone down. But there before me on the table is a finished clock-" now suddenly a snicker from the mechanism, and a deft movement of his hands. "Or an opened lock.”

“So this was betrayal. It was like being left alone in the desert at dusk without water or warmth. It left your mouth dry and will broken. It sapped your tears and made you hollow.”

“I barely noticed. I was still reeling from the sight of Falin. Of him standing beside her. Of him touching her. My mouth went dry, and even Malik's soulful voice faded to a buzz in my ears. Something in my chest had frozen. Maybe it was my lungs, because I couldn't seem to breathe. He's with her. And of course, he was. Look at her.”

“Her eyes don't leave her book, but I see her smile. It's like the inside of my chest hiccups or something at the sight.”