“The words come out of my mouth, but they dont sound like me. I dont sound like me. Probably because I know its all lies. But I can see that theyre lies that Reeve believes. He swallows them whole. ...”

“An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth. a burn for a burn. a life for a life. that's how all this got started. and that's how it's going to end.”

“Im clenching my fists so tight my fingernails leave red crescent moons on my skin. I feel a surge, a heat roar up inside me. As bad as Im hurting now, hell hurt ten times worse. Thats the only thin...”

“It still feels weird to spend money on Christmas trees. Back when Mom was alive, wed go out tree hunting. Thats what she called it, anyway. I think other people might use the word trespassing.”

“Ive fallen for the one person I shouldnt have. For the boy who broke Marys heart. For Rennies one true love. For Alexs best friend.It has to end here. Now.”

“Reeve shakes his head and exhales loudly. Thats not what Im saying and you know it! He looks away. Can you just . . . can you go get dressed and come with me and well talk about it later? My moms e...”

“I have gained wisdom from leaning into my pain, in not allowing the hounds of hell to snap at my heels anymore. Now I turn around, call them by name, and let them know I am prepared to fight.”

“One of the hardest things was learningthat I wasworth recovery.”

“You deserve this. Even when you feel like you dont. You do. You deserve to have a healthy, loving, grace-filled relationship with yourself. You deserve to stop hurting in secret and in shame. You d...”

“My religion is Get Over It.”

“Resiliency, like a cartwheel, requires core strength and a disregard for gravity. Only one of which can be willed.”

“Resilience is about B.O.U.N.C.E-Bouncing forward includes bouncing back.”