A Kingdom This Cursed and Empty (Kingdom of Lies, #2)

by Stacia Stark

In my darkest moments, when I missed her the most—even as she sat right next to me—I listed what I did know. And I wondered if those small details would be enough to carry me through the rest of my life.

“Hate me, rage against me, refuse to admit what you feel. But don’t you dare treat me like a stranger.”

“I’ve gone my whole life feeling like I’m holding my breath. Like my lungs are burning. Like I’m desperately fighting for each gasp of air. But when you’re around, I can…breathe. And I’m furious at you, because when that ends…when we’re forced apart, I don’t know how I’ll take a full breath without you.”

One day, these memories would be all I had of him. And I wanted them solidified in my mind for the rest of my life.

I could use this to make myself feel insecure and unworthy, or I could use it as fuel.