Virginia

“You can't fix grief,” said Simon. “A rabbi told me that when my father died. The only thing that fixes grief is time, and the love of the people who care about you, and Tavvy has that.” He squeezed Mark's shoulder briefly. “Take care of yourself,” he said. “Shelo ted'u od tza'ar, Mark Blackthorn.”

“What does that mean?” said Mark.

“It's a blessing,” said Simon. “Something else the rabbi taught me. ‘Let it be that you should know no further sorrow.”
― Cassandra Clare, Queen of Air and Darkness

“I need some fresh air," I say.

"Then by all means go outside. If it doesn't clear your head, it will probably kill you." Will might be teasing. I can't tell.”
― Bethany Griffin, Masque of the Red Death

“And I'm falling in love with you," he whispers. "But I would throw you in the water and watch crocodiles tear you to bits, if I thought that doing so would accomplish my goals. Do. Not. Trust. Anyone. Especially me.”
― Bethany Griffin, Masque of the Red Death

“You have to remember that there are reasons to live, and that at least a few people are decent, and that the world is worthwhile some of the time, okay?”
I raise my face to his, wanting another kiss, but he stops me.
“You will remember?”
The balloon bumps downward again. His eyes are still closed.
“Why don’t you open your eyes?”
He opens one and squints at me for a second. “I’m terrified of heights,” he says.”
― Bethany Griffin, Masque of the Red Death