“I wanted the syrupy taste of this small rebellion. And this stupid machine was denying that bit of freedom to me . . . just like everyone else.” — Laura Bickle Copy Share Image
“That night I lay in bed and stared out the window. Night and I were old friends.” — Laura Bickle Copy Share Image
“His eyes widened. "You didn't go back to town, did you?" "No. I went to church." "Ah, well. That explains it," he blurted. "I… — Laura Bickle Copy Share Image
“I was a hypocrite. When the roof came down, it was going to fall on me first.” — Laura Bickle Copy Share Image
“I began to murmur the Lord's Prayer in thanks. "Shit," Mrs. Parsall said.” — Laura Bickle Copy Share Image
“Maybe now that Elijah was feeling well enough to be interfering in my business, he'd also be well enough to look after his own… — Laura Bickle Copy Share Image
“For me, that was love. Tangible. Love was what was in front of me, not a distant fantasy.” — Laura Bickle Copy Share Image
“Men are essentially useless for the difficult things in life. For births and deaths, one clearheaded woman is more useful than a half-dozen men.” — Laura Bickle Copy Share Image
“Shoulders slumped in defeat, I turned to walk away. The drugstore had caved under the force of my criminal will, but the Coke machine… — Laura Bickle Copy Share Image
“I could barely breathe as I fled down the steps, like something was stuck in my throat. I couldn't tell what flavor it was;… — Laura Bickle Copy Share Image
“I ran my fingers over the black ink. "They're holy to you." Alex flexed his fingers. "They are now.” — Laura Bickle Copy Share Image
“I was afraid to be Outside alone, without Elijah. But, no matter what, I would have to get used to his absence. I would… — Laura Bickle Copy Share Image
