As one of the little streams starts snaking my way, inching closer to the toe of my shoe, I hop over the spreading puddle and out of its reach. I don’t look back to see...

Couldn’t you just lie and tell me you have some kind of secret badass weapon that is going to make this a piece of cake?

We broke into laughter—the kind that’s your only recourse when you feel like curling up in a fetal position and whimpering like a little girl.

And you are not to be underestimated.

Anger can be quite rewarding…at least for those of us who have the option of blasting our enemies to oblivion.

My mom will descend upon me with a bottle ofperoxide the second I hit the door.

Silence upon silence, with a heaping pile of extra silence.

is way too cool under pressure.

Although in your case, we may have to find a secret option number three.

I have to believe that our family line wasn’t meant to end with this.

He’s close enough now that I can hear his footfall on the pavement, and I knowmy chances of outrunning him are slim. I’m practically in a full sprint, and my pounding heart is begging me...

If you’re not, you will be when you poke your eye out on one of them.

Suddenly, I saw ocean again—then another horizon line—but this time the deep blue sky was on the wrong side of the line…the Holy crap, we’re upside down side.

sometimes you only see what you expect to see.

My instincts told me that death would somehow be…different. But my rational mind reminded me that I had probably tempted fate one too many times. At least, I thought it was my rational mind. It...

Hurry up, Man, and do something. Kiss her, muzzle her…shove a sock in her mouth—

You’re the picture of respectability and moral character…You expect me to believe you were your parents’ worst nightmare? What was your criminal act of choice—drunken bar fights? Or maybe grand theft auto? Don’t tell me...

I tried not to think of all the horror movies featuring this exact scenario, soon to be followed by an abundance of gratuitous blood and gore.

It takes normal people years to pick up on all those little phrases. Do you have any idea how stupid I feel, when I can’t even say ‘Hello, my name is Palta…Oh, and by the...

We can’t breathe batteryacid, can we?

According to you, everyone has it…and no one is living up to it.

I paused for a moment, debating whether to turn and look what was happening. My senses told me Obo’s presence was still at my side, and turning my face into the barrel of a gun...

I missed her smile…the way she would roll her eyes when she thought I was being ridiculous…the quiet way she almost tiptoed when she walked that gave her away as a ballerina…the fact that she...

You earned it. Now, if I can just save your life twenty or thirty more times…We might actually be able to call it even.

Once upon a time, there was this über-creepy old man—who looks like he lives in a haunted shack and eats small children for breakfast—and I decided to make him my new best friend becaaauuse… Okay,...

clearly you’re not my number one fan.

I’m a doctor, I know these things,” I shrugged.

I thoughtyou were some kind of psychopath.” My frown deepens, as I consider whether he might in fact be a psychopath.

Still not stopping me.

Clearly you know nothing about me…because the surest way to keep me from doing something is to tell me I have no other choice.

You have quite a repertoire of ‘pants’ references, don’t you?

I’ve become remarkably good at blocking impossibly bizarre happenings from my consciousness. Denial can be a beautiful thing.

Nor the last…

It’s a sad state of affairs when I’m the one bringing sanity to the equation

Yeah, I can really paint a verbal picture,” I responded dryly.

I didn’t intend it to come out sarcastically, but I guess that’s just where my tone of voice automatically goes these days.

It’s insulting…and highly annoying.

There’s an empty seat next to me in the ‘intensely aggravating’ section…and it’s got your name on it

Way to introduce him to the vernacular, Palta.

Phrase the question any way you like…The answer will still be ‘Kiss my ass.

I decided that a movie marathon was clearly in order. I tried to narrow down the options. Anything romantic was definitely out, as was anything involving space travel, kings, or handsome princes. Preferably there should...

If what I’ve seen is the worst of you…then it will be a miracle if I ever find a way to deserve you.

I’m not picky.

The cleanest civilization I’ve ever seen…and the number one thing you pack for a wedding is a jar of dirt?

This from the woman who would surrender her own life without a moment’s consideration?”He had me there.

I wish I could say I’m low maintenance, but I like some of the finer things in life…like a toothbrush.