I feel the monster of grief again, writhing in the empty space where my heart and stomach used to be.
VERONICA ROTHI feel the monster of grief again, writhing in the empty space where my heart and stomach used to be.
VERONICA ROTHLooking him in the eye is a challenge. It’s my choice.
VERONICA ROTHSometimes it involves giving up everything you have ever known, or everyone you have ever loved for the sake of something greater.
VERONICA ROTHOne choice can transform you. One choice can destroy you. Once choice will define you.
VERONICA ROTH“Oh, you know,” I say. “Sun shining. Birds chirping.” She raises an eyebrow at me, as if reminding me that we are in an underground tunnel.
VERONICA ROTHI know exactly how we fit together, his arm around my waist, my hands on his chest, the pressure of his lips on mine. We have each other memorized.
VERONICA ROTHYou believe you know them, that you understand them, but their motives are always hidden from you, buried in their own hearts. You will never know them, but sometimes you decide to trust them.
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 ROTHThere is always somthing to learn, always somthing that is important to understand
VERONICA ROTHI laugh, and it’s laughter, not light, that casts out the darkness building within me, that reminds me I am still alive, even in this strange place where everything I’ve ever known is coming apart.
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 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 ROTHChange, like healing, takes time.
VERONICA ROTHThere is a difference between admitting and confessing. Admitting involves softening, making excuses for things that cannot be excused; confessing just names the crimes at its full severity.
VERONICA ROTHCruelty does not make a person dishonest, the same way bravery does not make a person kind.
VERONICA ROTHIt isn’t right to wish pain on other people just because they hurt me first.
VERONICA ROTH