“We believe in ordinary acts of bravery, in the courage that drives one person to stand up for another.”

“Sometimes, the best way to help someone is just to be near them.”

“Then I realize what it is. It's him. Something about him makes me feel like I am about to fall. Or turn to liquid. Or burst into flames.”

“People, I have discovered, are layers and layers of secrets. You believe you know them, that you understand them, but their motives are always hidden from you, buried in their own hearts. Yo...”

“We both have war inside us. Sometimes it keeps us alive. Sometimes it threatens to destroy us.”

“No matter how long you train someone to be brave, you never know if they are or not until something real happens.”

“May the peace of God be with you,” she says, her voice low, “even in the midst of trouble.” “Why would it?” I say softly, so no one else can hear. “After all I’ve done...” “It isn’t about yo...”

“Before I leave the bathroom, I pinch my cheeks hard to bring blood to the surface of my skin. It’s stupid, but I don’t want to look weak and exhausted in front of everyone. When I walk back...”