1
They call each other `E.’ Elvis pickswildflowers near the river and bringsthem to Emily. She explains half-rhymes to him. In heaven Emily wears her hair long, sports Levis and western blouses with rhinestones. Elvis is lean again, wears baggy trousersand T-shirts, a letterman’s jacket from Tupelo High.They take long walks and often hold hands. She prefers they remain just friends. Forever.Emily’s poems now contain naugahyde, Cadillacs, Electricity, jets, TV, Little Richard and RichardNixon. The rock-a-billy rhythm makes her smile. Elvis likes himself with style. This afternoonhe will play guitar and sing “I Taste A LiquorNever Brewed” to the tune of “Love Me Tender.”Emily will clap and harmonize. Alonein their cabins later, they’ll listen to the riverand nap. They will not think of Amherstor Las Vegas. They know why God made themroommates. It’s because Americawas their hometown. It’s because God is a thing withoutfeathers. It’s because God wears blue suede shoes.Hans Ostrom
2
I stare at Hans. Hans is shaped like an industrial-sized refrigerator. His hands are like cinder blocks. He should not be afraid of a little thing like the ocean.Cyn Balog
3
I wanted to bring Lissa back, and I wanted to return to Adrian's arms again, return to his lips and all this life..." Hathaway! Good God, do I have to hose you down?Richelle Mead