"So close, I thought. A shorter fence, a fatter dog, and everything would be different." (Chapter 1, p. 30).

"The only trick was never giving more than you were willing to lose. With Marhsall and me, it was like a game called I Could Care Less." (Chapter 3, p. 75).

"Sure it meant the little bit of stuff I had was that much more wrinkled, but rolling over every morning and seeing all my worldly possessions right there beside me made me feel somewhat in control of my situation. Which I needed, considering that everything else seemed completely out of control." (Chapter 4, p. 100).

"But now here I was, too far gone to be a stranger, not ready to be friends, the little acquaintance we had made still managing to be, somehow, too much." (Chapter 5, p. 139).

"Ruby, we want to do this for you, okay? You don't have to make things harder than...