While I Was Away Quotes

“I'm not lying..." My voice shook, but I had to defend myself. I knew I was weird and awkward here. Since I always forgot my hat, my skin was darker, not the pale shade people thought was pretty here. I knew I had a funny haircut, and maybe I was a burden, maybe I was a nuisance--no, I knew I was, a burden to my aunts, uncles, cousins, Mr. Adachi, Reiko. and maybe the way I spoke made me seem rude when I didn't mean to be... but I didn't say that. I did not lie.”
― Waka T. Brown, While I Was Away

“Even though it was clear honors English might be a bit of a struggle for Kris, it was easy to be friends with her. Friendships shouldn't be forced, or difficult. The best friendships were the ones that occurred shizen ni--naturally.”
― Waka T. Brown, While I Was Away