I turn back to the lake, stare at the ice slowly moving on the surface of the water. Pieces of the solid fall into the liquid, but it’s all just water no matter what its form.

I will not be violent,” I chant-mutter. “I will not be violent. I am peaceful and good. I do not want to give anyone the finger.

It was by Anandamayi Ma: “Be anchored in fearlessness. What is worldly life but fear!

I do a victory dance worthy of any NFL running back. Uh-huh.

It’s just him and me and cookies.

It’s a lot easier to understand things once you name them. It’s the unknown that scares me most. – Zara.

You will be a great queen when you come back, you know. And someday you’ll love me the way you love your wolf.

I am not a good fighter,” I try to explain again, fingering the edge of my shirt. “I mean, I am really bad at fighting, not as bad as my friend Issie, who is possibly the least fightery person in the world. I mean, I’m getting better, but still... I mean – oh I’m sorry. I’m babbling.

Who am I really? Am I still the same person if I’m not even technically a person anymore? Does being stronger make me different? Will it?

Tell Me Whom You Love and I’ll Tell You Who You Are.