It Starts with Us

But even monsters can’t survive without a heart beating inside their chest.

“A whole new family tree that starts with us.

“I can draw a seedling with two tiny branches. Yours and mine. We’ll be on our own brand-new, tiny family tree—one that starts with us.”

Sometimes I feel like Ryle has a monster inside him that is on a constant search to be offended.

I realize in this moment that the hardest part about ending an abusive relationship is that you aren’t necessarily putting an end to the bad moments. The bad moments still rear their ugly heads every now and then. When you end an abusive relationship, it’s the good moments you put an end to.

His eyes settle on my lips for a beat, and I feel the look all the way to my toes.

My eyes are apologizing for my silence over the last twenty-four hours, he’s silently telling me it’s okay, and we’re both wondering what comes next.

“Oh, God,” I mutter under my breath.
“Yes, he is a god,” Allysa whispers.
What is he doing here?
And why does he look like a god?

sometimes the hardest decisions a person can make will most likely lead to the best outcomes.

Sometimes you’re going to need me to hold your hand down the hills, and sometimes I’ll need you to lead me up the mountain, but everything, from this point forward, we’re going to face together. It’s you and me, Lily. In good times and bad, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, in the past and for forever, you are my favorite person. Always have been. Always will be. I love you. Everything that you are.