To live factionless Is not just to live in poverty and discomfort; it is to live divorced from society, separated from the most important thing in life: community.
VERONICA ROTHTo live factionless Is not just to live in poverty and discomfort; it is to live divorced from society, separated from the most important thing in life: community.
VERONICA ROTHShh,” I say. “Arms around me.” Obediently, he slips both arms around my waist. I smile at the wall. I am not enjoying this. I am not, not even a little bit, no.
VERONICA ROTHMom used to say that politeness is deception in pretty packaging
VERONICA ROTHI suppose that now would be the time to ask for forgiveness for all the things I’ve done, but I’m sure my list would never be complete.
VERONICA ROTHWhen you’re a writer, you hear your internal critic, and that’s really hard to get over. And then sometimes you hear critiques from classmates and stuff.
VERONICA ROTHWithout a faction we have no purpose and no reason to live.
VERONICA ROTHSometimes, all it takes to save people from a terrible fate is one person willing to do something about it. Even if that “something” is a fake bathroom break.
VERONICA ROTHTo me, when someone wrongs you, you both share the burden of that wrongdoing—the pain of it weighs on both of you. Forgiveness, then, means choosing to bear the full weight all by yourself.
VERONICA ROTHI feel the monster of grief again, writhing in the empty space where my heart and stomach used to be.
VERONICA ROTHGrief is not as heavy as guilt, but it takes more away from you.
VERONICA ROTHLies require commitment.
VERONICA ROTHYou don’t believe things because they make your life better, you believe them because they’re true.
VERONICA ROTHI didn’t know that idiocy caused people to just start spontaneously bleeding from the nose.
VERONICA ROTHWe kiss again and this time, it feels familiar.
VERONICA ROTHPart of me wonders if this is a suicide mission disguised as a game.
VERONICA ROTHWe believe in ordinary acts of bravery, in the courage that drives one person to stand up for another.
VERONICA ROTH