“This late afternoon, they stood shoulder to shoulder at the masthead, watching the dockhands tie up the boat. Though she was four years younger and a girl, they were nearly the same height, Gina and Salvo. Gina was actually taller.… — Paullina Simons Copy Share Image
“You think she needs a chaperone?” When they didn’t answer, the nun tutted disapprovingly. “Let me explain something to you, Mrs. Attaviano, and I hope your daughter is listening, though I cannot be sure. Morally speaking, the only chaperone a young girl of good character requires is her own sense of decency and pride. She who possesses these qualities doesn’t… — Paullina Simons Copy Share
When Tatiana looked up from her ice cream, she saw a soldier staring at her from across the street. — Paullina Simons Copy Share Image
“You want to know what I thought of in that boat? I thought, I have to stay alive. Tatiasha will never forgive me.” — Paullina Simons Copy Share Image
Tatiana had imagined her Alexander since she was a child, before she believed that someone like him was even possible. When she was a… — Paullina Simons Copy Share Image
“Alexander: “First we will send the frontovik into the streets with guns. When they are dead, we will send me, with a tank, like the one you’ve been making me. When I’m dead, all the barricades down, all the weapons and tanks gone, they will send you with a rock.” Tania: “And when I’m dead?” Alexander: “You’re the last line… — Paullina Simons Copy Share
“Have a joke for me Tania," he says, "I could use a joke." "Hmm." She thinks, looks at him, looks to see where Anthony is. He's far in the back. "Okay, what about this." With a short cough she leans into Alexander and lowers her voice. "A man and his young girlfriend are driving in a car. The man has… — Paullina Simons Copy Share
I'm going to die with Alexander's hand on my face, Tatiana thought. That is not a bad way to die. I cannot move. I can't get up. Just can't. She closed her eyes and felt herself drifting. Through the haze in front of her she heard Alexander's voice. "Tatiana, I love you. Do you hear me? I love you like… — Paullina Simons Copy Share
“They came with their children, for no one left the children behind - it was for the children they had come, wanting to give… — Paullina Simons Copy Share Image
We can’t forget that I owe you my life.” She gazed at him. “We can’t forget that I belong to you.” “I like that… — Paullina Simons Copy Share Image
“Come on,” he said quietly, bending to her and lifting her whole into his arms. He carried her inside. After setting her down next to the sink, he crushed five trays of ice into it and filled it with cold water. Tatiana thought he was going to tell her to put her face into it, and was about to meekly… — Paullina Simons Copy Share
Alexander knew that before he had light instead of darkness, he had to deserve light instead of darkness. — Paullina Simons Copy Share Image
