“Nothing in the world is normal,” he said. “I can’t understand why you’d even hope for that.” His comment sent the anger hissing out of her like a balloon, and her features softened. She eyed him with curiosity, then wiped the edge of her eye with the back of her hand and shifted her weight.”

“Nothing in the world is normal,” he said. “I can’t understand why you’d even hope for that.” His comment sent the anger hissing out of her like a balloon, and her features softened. She eyed him with curiosity, then wiped the edge of her eye with the back of her hand and shifted her weight.”

— James McBride