Go ahead, God, you fat, filthy motherfucker, lightning-bolt my ass into oblivion if you’re so tough!

Aura, I’m really patient, but I’m not a bloody saint. -Zachary

I shook my head. She kissed my cheek, then on her way out patted Zachary’s shoulder in a way that said, If you upset Aura in her weakened state, I will end you.

Beautiful doesn’t begin to describe it. A flower is beautiful. But this is beautiful the way that a person is beautiful- terrifying with its jagged edges, yet seductive with its crevices that hide so many...

I’m more of a dog person. But I admire cats and their ability to take so much while giving so little.

Ignorance is the world’s most curable affliction.

This time of year,” she said, “people’s consciences gnaw at them. They give away truckloads of canned goods and quote Dickens and wring their hands over the ‘less fortunate.’” We boarded the Metro and took...

Aura,” he whispered, “I wish I could wipe away just one of your tears. Then I’dfeel like a person again. Like I’m something more than a bunch of light.

Sorry,” she said. “I have a psychological disorder that prevents me from keeping thoughts inside my head where they belong.

I promise I’ll never tell.””Don’t promise that,” he said in an ultraserious voice. “If they try to hurt you and the only way to protect yourself is to tell them what you know about me,...