Catherine Cowles

“That’s one of the greatest gifts a person can give another. The freedom to be who they truly are.”

“Careful, Hayes, I might start to think you like me a little bit.”
“Heaven forbid.”

We weren’t even together, and I could already see myself following her wherever she went. Because, all of a sudden, I couldn’t imagine my life without her.

“You showed me that there is more power in facing the ghosts and tearing them down, than pretending they don’t exist.”

“No running, okay?”
I didn’t look away. “I’ll run if that’s what keeps you safe.”
His expression turned stony. “You run, and I’ll just follow.”

The more I got to know Addie, the more I saw her resiliency and strength in action, the more I hated the world that had tried to break her.

I knew that devil was more tempting than anything when you were hurting.

My therapist had drilled into me that I needed to celebrate every win, no matter how small.

Something about it slayed me.

A laugh escaped Hallie, light and almost musical. It caught on the air, sending a shiver over me.