"A strange cry emits, involuntary and keening. She covers her mouth, certain of vomit. Darts to the restroom. Drops her bag. The automatic light from over the sink is a morose glow. She leans against the door and sobs in soundless waves. She struggles to breathe. Bites her inner elbow to stop quaking. Obsession paces, caged, gnawing at the bars. Starving.
I'd do anything for you, girl.
I'll do whatever it takes.
Something tells me you can live with that."
​
"My gaze does not rest on anyone, not till the end. When, for half a heartbeat, I glance at him. Inscrutable as ever, even when I know he knows."
​
​
"Concentrate on this hour, not a week or a month from now. Don't analyze.
If I'm careful, I'll come out of this a shell, cracked but intact. Empty but functional.
At least I have these moments, ink to skin, and the patience to handle bullshit. I nod along. Save my voice. Not much left to say when people stop asking.
I'm invisible in here. I need it to stay that way."