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This book is dedicated to all the kids whose arms are filled with too much for them to hold, but who are trying their best not to drop a single thing. I see you and I am proud of you for trying.
Some things were just meant to be private.
niceness and kindness are two different things, and I am nothing if not kind—regardless of the methods I use to achieve such a thing.”
They were breathing in tandem now. He wiped and pricked and wiped and pricked until the very last. Then, without thinking at all, he bowed his head against Jack’s side and closed his eyes. Jack pushed his fingers through August’s thick hair and gripped hard.
All virtues not granted at birth are taught to you by life, one way or another.
All he had to do was get up and breathe and finish the day. Everything was going to be fine.
“Are you proud, Eagle of the North? The Champion with Sparks in his Veins. They will sing songs of your victory and word of your sacrifice will drip from the tongues of young and old until … the end of time. Are you proud?”
You’re the most precious thing in the world to me. They’re trying to make you forget that. Don’t let them make you forget it.” August sighed.
You’re so stupid, August. You’re so stupid and I love you so much.”
In this world and the next. They could take everything away and leave us with nothing, and I would still love you.”
“Do they still sing songs of my victory?” August choked. “They do. And they’ll crescendo like beacons to the farthest reaches. With every new breath of life that forms in a world without darkness that came at the price of your hands and your mind.”
“I have to go. But I’ll be back for you,” Jack promised. “Mr. Rossi, your time is up.” “I’ll be back for you. I always will.”
“Through doom and dust,” Jack recited. “You came back,” August whispered, like it was breaking his heart. “I couldn’t not. Do you have all your things?” “I think so.” “Then come on. I’ll take you home.”
Many young people, perhaps like you, find themselves being forced to carry something they never imagined would be so heavy, with no one around to support them. It must be said that they are rarely ever at fault for the multitude of ways they choose to bear that load. Even if they are destructive. They are not “failing”; someone has failed them.
You deserve to heal and grow, too. You deserve to have someone to talk to about your problem; you deserve unconditional support; you deserve care and safety and all the things you need to thrive. Just because you may not have them doesn’t mean you don’t deserve them. If someone tells you that you don’t deserve those things, they are lying. Keep trying your best. Ask for help when you need it. Do your best to be brave, but it is okay not to be. If you drop the weight you’re carrying, it is okay. You can build yourself back up out of the pieces. If your mind stops listening to you, it’s not your
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