The Scorpio Races

by Maggie Stiefvater

I think, just for that moment, that I hate brothers, because they never realize when something is important to you and they only care about their own things.

Sometimes, I hate all men.

I wonder how long it will take for me to feel as adult inside as I look outside.

“The tourists always seem to want something. On Thisby, it’s less about wanting, and more about being.”

“It’s easy to convince men to love you, Puck. All you have to do is be a mountain they have to climb or a poem they don’t understand. Something that makes them feel strong or clever. It’s why they love the ocean.”

I say, “I will not be your weakness, Sean Kendrick.” Now he looks at me. He says, very softly, “It’s late for that, Puck.”