Hidden Pieces Quotes

“The world needs more beautiful things.”
― Paula Stokes, Hidden Pieces

“There’s nothing abnormal about loneliness.”
― Paula Stokes, Hidden Pieces

“Sometimes being poor means having to choose between your principles and your survival.”
― Paula Stokes, Hidden Pieces

“Enough with the apologies. I can’t just forgive seventeen years of hurt all at once. But you can do better, all right? From today onward, do better. Not just for me. For my mom too.”
― Paula Stokes, Hidden Pieces

“Guilt is basically one of my superpowers. It’s been programmed into me from the moment I was old enough to know what it was.”
― Paula Stokes, Hidden Pieces

“It’s not right that some people have so much and others have so little.”
― Paula Stokes, Hidden Pieces

“I’m glad you still have your survival instinct.”

“We’ve all got something.” I lift my fingertips to the exposed skin on my face. It’s colder than the night sea. Cupping my hands, I blow into them, let my breath warm my nose and cheeks. “I apparently still have a face, which is good.”

Holden vaults up onto the wooden platform and I step up after him. “That is good,” he says, pulling me in close. He lifts his gloved hands to my cheeks. “After all, this is one of my favorite faces.”

I scrunch my lips into a pretend pout. “One of?”

He grins. “Well, you know. I’m a sucker for the classics. Helen of Troy, the Mona Lisa, that—”

“Hey. The Mona Lisa isn’t even hot.” I give him a little shove away from me, toward the edge of the platform.

“Disagree,” Holden says. “She’s beautiful in her own way. That mischievous smile, those dark, soulful eyes, the way she—”

“Fine, whatever.” I cross my arms. “But I insist on being ranked above her.”

“Okay, okay,” Holden says. “Yours can be my second-favorite face . . . right after that guy from The Scream.” He pulls me in close again.

“You’re such an ass,” I say, as our lips touch.

Holden laughs. “My girl Mona Lisa would never be so rude.”
― Paula Stokes, Hidden Pieces

“How does the world even keep going with so much pain and tragedy everywhere?”
― Paula Stokes, Hidden Pieces

“What is her problem?" Julia asks.
"Life," I say. "Same as everyone else's.”
― Paula Stokes, Hidden Pieces

“This is what I do-I hide things, I hurt people.
I burn up everything I touch.”
― Paula Stokes, Hidden Pieces

“Fuck Edvard Munch and The Scream. You're my favorite face.”
― Paula Stokes, Hidden Pieces