There Is No Peace In Poverty

Did You Fall In Love With Her?" "i Care About Her. A Lot." "you're Not Supposed To Marry Someone If You Don't Fall In Love With Her." "well, Love Is A Choice, Too." Holly Shook Her Head. "i Think It's Something That Happens To You." Mark Smiled Into Her Small, Earnest Face. "maybe It's Both," He Said, And Tucked Her In.

I Know I'm A Bad Bargain. But I'm Begging You To Have Me Anyway. Because I Want A Chance To Make You As Happy As You Make Me. I Want To Build A Life With You." He Fought To Steady His Voice. "please Come To Me, Cat, Because There's No Surviving You. You Don't Have To Love Me Back. You Don't Have To Be Mine. Just Let Me Be Yours.

What Are You Thinking?" He Asks. I Know Gage Hates It When I Cry - He Is Completely Undone By The Sight Of Tears - So I Blink Hard Against The Sting. "i'm Thinking How Thankful I Am For Everything," I Say, "even The Bad Stuff. Every Sleepless Night, Every Second Of Being Lonely, Every Time The Car Broke Down, Every Wad Of Gum On My Shoe, Every Late Bill And Losing Lottery Ticket And Bruise And Broken Dish And Piece Of Burnt Toast." His Voice Is Soft. "why, Darlin'?" "because It All Led Me Here To You.

To Be Honest," I Halfwhispered, "i Don't Feel As Safe With Him As I Do With You." "i Know." A Ghost Of A Smile Touched My Lips. "how Do You Know?" "think About What Safety Is, Ella." "trust?" "yes, Partly. But Also An Absence Of Risk." He Unstuck A Strand Of Hair From My Damp Cheek And Tucked It Back. "maybe You Need To Take A Risk. Maybe You Need To Be With Someone Who Rattles You A Little.

You Say The Gentleman I Knew Has Been Replaced. How I Wish I Could Offer Better Comfort Than To Say That No Matter How You Have Changed, You Wil Be Welcomed When You Return. Do What You Must. If It Helps You To Endure, Put The Feelings Away For Now, And Lock The Door. Perhaps Someday We'll Air Them Out Together.