The Atlas

“The book's always better than the movie.”

“Sex had been amazing, but it wasn't a magical cure for everything. Damn. Somewhere along the way, I'd picked up common sense.”

“You're better than this. Better than whatever it is you're going to do now.”

“I'm backing down now. I really do love you. That's why I'm doing this.”

“Life, unfortunately, doesn't seem to care what we want.”

“A gun. I had been brought down by a gun. It was practically comical. Cheaters, I thought.”

“What was love, really? Flowers, chocolate, and poetry? Or was it something else? Was it being able to finish someone's jokes? Was it having absolute faith that someone was there at your back? Was it knowing someone so well that they instantly understood why you did the things you did—and shared those same beliefs?”

“Ah, my daughter,ʺ he said. ʺEighteen, and already youʹve been accused of murder, aided felons, and acquired a death count higher than most guardians will ever see.ʺ He paused. ʺI couldnʹt be prouder.”