Jaena Rae

“She heard his words like a melody and she felt herself breathing unevenly, gulping at the air. She would not cry, it was ridiculous to cry after so long, but her eyes were filling with tears and there was a boulder in her chest and a stinging in her throat. The tears felt itchy. She made no sound. He took her hand in his, both clasped on the table, and between them silence grew, an ancient silence that they both knew. She was inside this silence and she was safe.”
― Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Americanah

“They said “soon” to each other often, and “soon” gave their plan the weight of something real.”
― Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Americanah

“It’s strange how I have felt, with every major event that has occurred in my life, that you were the only person who would understand.”
― Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Americanah

“He reminded her of Obinze’s expression for people he liked. Obi ocha. A clean heart.”
― Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Americanah