"For three nights after Nina vanished, I didn't sleep. I just lay in my bed, my head inches from the open window, the thick, humid late June air blowing against my skin like hot breath. Waiting" (Chapter 3, p. 16).

"I remembered you worked at the coffee place, so I figured I'd just come by and make sure you were alright. I hope that doesn't seem stalkery or weird seeing as we only talked for like thirty seconds" (Chapter 9, p. 67).

"Truth is, I'm worried that even hearing her voice will somehow break the spell that has made this all possible. Amanda has a way of bringing me back to earth, whether I want her to or not" (Chapter 12, p. 91).

"It was the expression on her face when she looked at Nina's picture. Her face got softer, or something, and she smiled the tiniest bit just for a second, like she...