A Thousand Broken Pieces (A Thousand Boy Kisses #2)

by Tillie Cole

grief never left us. Instead we adapted, like it was a new appendage we had to learn to use. That at any moment, pain and heartache could strike and break us. But eventually we would develop the tools to cope with it and find a way to move on.

“Night, Peaches.”

“Some people are only in our lives for a short time, but the mark they leave on us is a cherished tattoo.”

And if I had one dream for you, Savannah, it would be for you to find your Rune.

Then, as a ribbon of pink cut through the mostly green sky, I put my hand over my mouth to silence the cry that fought to escape. It danced even more beautifully than the others, its pale pink hue stunning against the neon greens and blues.

Please say that ribbon of cherry blossom pink that broke through the green was you. Please tell me you are with me on this journey.

I can live in the darkness if you are one of the stars.

“I’m falling for you, Peaches.”

“Sometimes, people don’t let their loved ones know how much they are hurting because they don’t want to bring them pain too.”

Thank you for loving me like you did. Thank you for showing me how to love. I miss you. So much… Be free…

I’m sorry, Cill. Sorry for not understanding… I miss you. I love you. And I wish you could have stayed…

“Search for happiness, Savannah. Then spread that happiness and hope to all you meet. Especially those who need it most. You are my ray of sunshine. And always will be. I know you can be that for those who need it too.”

They were the physical manifestation of my heart breaking, my soul shattering into a thousand broken pieces. I never believed that I could be put back together.

had to find a way to repair my broken pieces. I kissed

“Nothing could ever replace our blossom grove.” Shock rendered me immobile for a few seconds. Because I knew that voice. Had missed that voice. I released Cael’s hand and stepped around Dylan. And there was Rune Kristiansen in the flesh, beside us in this stunning Kyoto park.

“I’m Poppy’s Rune.”

Rune smiled. Smiled so big I knew it was on behalf of Poppy too. “Then you’ve met him,” he said. “The boy you’ll spend the rest of your life with.” I nudged him and said, “My Rune.” Rune choked on his laugh, and a tear spilled over the crease in his eye. “Your Rune,” he echoed.

everything started anew. Especially life. All but love. Life was messy. It could break you and tear you apart. But that didn’t mean that life, in all its imperfection, couldn’t be made and remade into something beautiful, that brokenness had to be ugly. It could be mesmerizing and breathtaking.

“I love you more than all the stars in the sky, Poppy. I will never not grieve for all the time that you are missing for my life, yet I will cherish the blessings you gave to me while you were here.” My cries ebbed and my breathing steadied. “Don’t worry about us,” I whispered, wanting her to be free. “Take care, my beloved sister. I adore you. I love you. And I will miss you every minute of every day,” I said and then placed the phone back onto the holder.