Pity, I knew, was just disrespect wrapped in kindness. I had to address it early, or it would grow unwieldy in time.

I may be in pain, but I am not weak.

It's hard to know what's right in this life,' she said. 'We do what we can, but what we really need is mercy. Do you know who taught me that?' A grin. 'You.'"

P459

It's hard to know what's right in this life,' she said. 'We do what we can, but what we really need is mercy. Do you know who taught me that?' A grin. 'You.

What thought or message would you put in a fortune cookie?
"Stop reading this. Eat the cookie and live your life.

I feel like myself, strong and weak at once - allowed, at least for a little while, to be both.