"There were a few phrases that came up over and over again. ... Many just floated past me ... but others became lodged under ...

With the girl beside him, he has all that he requires. So long as they are alone together, and she is in his custody, so to ...

“You’re so young.” I numbly accepted her hug, firm arms smelling of a stranger’s perfume. The words stuck in me like a blade. The sentiment was well intentioned, of course. She meant to ...