We unify. We include."
"But humans like being individuals."
"We know," Rue said. He pushes off the ground with his foot, starting the swing into a slow sway. "We didn't understand-individuals like being lonely."
"It's not lonely." Hopefully he can't tell I'm lying.

Negative.
"Mouth closed, politely.

Because in the end you are really alone, whatever you do.

Who gathers the withered rose?

Wow, hi,’ Eight says, and when he speaks it’s with his own voice.

It’s him. It’s really him.

Marina nearly doubles over with a delighted sob. She collects herself quickly, though, and grabs Eight first by the shoulders, then on the sides of his face. She pulls him in close.

‘You’re warm,’ she says in wonder. ‘You’re so warm.’

Eight laughs easily. He puts his hand over Marina’s and gently kisses the side of it.

‘You’re warm, too,’ he says.

‘I’m so sorry, Eight. I’m sorry I couldn’t heal you.’

Eight shakes his head. ‘Stop, Marina. It’s okay. You brought me here. It’s – I can’t even describe it. It’s amazing in there.’

Already, I see the energy spreading outward from Eight’s heart. It races through his body, fissures opening on his arms and legs. He doesn’t seem to be in any pain. He just smiles at Marina and looks at her like he’s trying to memorize her face.

‘Can I kiss you?’ Marina asks him.

‘I really wish you would.

What makes a treasure a treasure." Marine replied, "is how rare a find it is, when you need it the most.