Annabel

“Still, the thought of having someone to spend time with, to talk to, maybe to hold while she slept? It sounded romantic. Perfect. Why was it so difficult for others to contemplate a relationship built on mutual affection, on romantic gestures that didn’t extend into the bedroom? Abby wanted roses and inside jokes, something easy and natural. Sex was a complication she didn’t have any interest in.”
― Elyse Springer, Thaw

“Even a love in mourning still had sparks in it.”
― Olivia Waite, The Lady's Guide to Celestial Mechanics

“Underneath the helmet was something neon orange [...], a windbreaker that was almost brighter than the stadium paint.
[...] "Dan commissioned them her first year here. She said she was tired of everyone trying to look past us. People want to pretend people like us don't exist, you know? Everyone hopes we're someone else's problem to solve." Nicky reached out and fingered the material. "They don't understand, so they don't know where to start. They feel overwhelmed and give up before they've taken the first step."
Nicky gave himself a small shake and smiled, melancholy instantly replaced by cheer. "You know we donate a portion of ticket sales to charity? Our tickets cost a little more than anyone else's because of it. [...]”
― Nora Sakavic, The Foxhole Court

“I am more than this," Dan whispered.
If she didn't believe in herself, no one would, but how much longer could she hold her ground when everyone else kept kicking her feet out from under her?”
― Nora Sakavic