Bedford Square Publishers

“He who has felt the deepest grief is best able to experience supreme happiness.”

No direction means no limitations. A job you hate? An opportunity to find something better. A place you’re not tied down to? A chance to go somewhere new. Lonely? Learn to enjoy your own company.

“As if I had a string somewhere under my left ribs, tightly knotted to a similar string in you. And if you were to leave, I’m afraid that cord of communion would snap. And I have a notion that I’d take to bleeding inwardly. As for you, you’d forget me.”

“Happiness is like one of those places on an enchanted island, its gates guarded by dragons. One must fight to gain it.”

Because Matt is my own personal comfort. A walking hot-water bottle. A favourite blanket. A cosy hoodie. A cup of tea delivered with a kiss on the forehead. Warmth builds and builds inside my chest, and I realise suddenly, clearly, and certainly—I’ve never felt like this about anyone else. I think I’m in love with Matt.

“He who has felt the deepest grief is best able to experience supreme happiness. Live, then, and be happy, beloved children of my heart, and never forget, that until the day that God will deign to reveal the future to man, all human wisdom is contained in these two words, ‘Wait and Hope.’”

“Wherever you are is where I want to be.”

“To a new year, new chances, new lessons and… new friends.”

I’m well aware of the many reasons Matt and I wouldn’t work, but I’m also a raging flirt. I’ll flirt with a lamppost if it flickers the right way.

“Hey!” a dude behind us scoffs. “There’s a line.”

Matt puts his arm around me and turns over his shoulder with a smile I’ve yet to see from him. It’s friendly but… not? No teeth; puffed out chest. I’m kinda into it.

“She’s with me.” Oh, I’m definitely into it.