Stitching Snow

Not that complicated. I think I'm in love with you, Essie. But I also think you're not ready. I shouldn't have sprung it on you like that, so I decided to take it at your speed.

Brave is being scared and doing what needs to be done anyway

If we go ahead with it...if you say yes...how do we tell our children that we fell in love after I kidnapped you?

Life was so much easier back when I was selfish.

...My choice wasn't supposed to include you coming along and getting killed, too, and when I'm probably going to die anyway, you shouldn't waste your feelings on me. You're brilliant, Essie, but you're still dim on a few things. Feelings can't be wasted. Knowing they're real for however long they last makes them worth having.