My name is Four,” I say. “Call me ‘Stiff’ again and you and I will have a problem.
VERONICA ROTHMy name is Four,” I say. “Call me ‘Stiff’ again and you and I will have a problem.
VERONICA ROTHBut now, I am also learning this: we can be mended. We mend each other.
VERONICA ROTHThen I realize what it is. It’s him. Something about him makes me feel like I am about to fall. Or turn to liquid. Or burst into flames.
VERONICA ROTHSorry, am I being rude?” she asks. “I’m used to saying whatever is on my mind.
VERONICA ROTHThe truth has a way of changing people’s plans.
VERONICA ROTHBeing honest doesn’t mean you say whatever you want, wherever you want. It means that what you choose to say is true.
VERONICA ROTHI keep finding myself stifled by the company of others and then crippled by loneliness when I leave them.
VERONICA ROTHReading is such a huge part of my life.
VERONICA ROTHDo I look like I’ve been crying?’ I say. ‘Hmm.’ He leans in close, narrowing his eyes like he’s inspecting my face.
VERONICA ROTHYou won,” Four mutters. “Stop.” I wipe the sweat from my forehead. He stares at me. His eyes are too wide; they look alarmed.
VERONICA ROTHI’m sick of doing bad things and liking it and then wondering what’s wrong with me. I want it to be over. I want to start again.
VERONICA ROTHHuman reason can excuse any evil; that is why it’s so important that we don’t rely on it.
VERONICA ROTHKilling you is not the worst thing they can do to you,” I say. “Controlling you is.
VERONICA ROTHA smile tugs at the corner of his mouth. Even closer, so we would be breathng the same air- if I could remember to breathe. ‘No, Tris,’ he says. A more serious look replaces his smile as he adds, ‘You look tough as nails.
VERONICA ROTHThe fire, the fire. It rages within, a campfire and then an inferno, and my body is its fuel.
VERONICA ROTHIt isn’t right to wish pain on other people just because they hurt me first.
VERONICA ROTH