“Soon he would be able to touch her, to feel the warmth of her blood. When the time came, nothing would stop him.”

“Smiles were rare in this house. Smiles had to be bought and paid for.”

“Their attention was focused on the strange kid who wore black eyeliner and dressed as if every day was a funeral.”

“Youre my best friend,Youre my love,Youre my life.I cant wait tomake youmy wife!Love, Ryan”

“Gloria watched the swollen white orb of a hot-air balloon rising over Navy Pier and knew she had to break it off with Oliver, for he was the type who would never enjoy hot-air balloons, Van Morriso...”

“If your neighbor's lawn looks better than yours, don't let jealousy consume you ..... start working on yours. With love and dedication, your side will look better than their.”

“Sara, we have to go," she whispers, even though my dad isn't there to hear her. She's not crying. She's calm. Matter-of-fact. As if she's asking me whether I want mayo or mustard on my sandwich. Ex...”

“The sky is deep, the sky is dark. The light of the stars is o damn stark/When I look up, I fill with fear, if all we have is what lies here, this lonely world, this troubled place, then cold dead s...”

“It is said that in death, all things become clear.”