But what could I do? Be stupid for a while? I wasn't sure I knew how, even after so many years of careful observation. - Darkly Dreaming Dexter

After a long moment I closed the freezer door. I wanted to lie down and press my cheek against the cool linoleum. Instead I reached out with my little finger and flipped the Barbie's head. It went thack thack against the door. I flipped it again. Thack thack. Whee. I had a new hobby.

I poked at the white paper bag. There was nothing left inside. Just like me: a clean crisp outside and nothing at all on the inside.

I am unlovable...I have tried to involve myself in other people, in relationships, and even - in my sillier moments - in love. But it doesn't work. Something in me is broken or missing and sooner or later the other person catches me Acting or one of Those Nights comes along.