“But Bear said I shouldn’t talk to strangers because they would be scared of me. I always thought I was supposed to be afraid of them, but Bear said I would just end up talking them to death and that any nefarious purpose they might have had would become moot. When Bear McKenna accuses you of talking too much, you know you have a problem”
“If I go on talking and talking...and telling you things about pretending, I shall bear it better. You don't forget, but you bear it better.”
“I know what they said even if they would not say it to my face. People love to talk. They love to slander you if you have any substance.”
“We all need somebody to talk to. It would be good if we talked; not just pitter-patter, but “real” talk. We shouldn’t be so afraid, because most people really like this contact; that you show you are vulnerable makes them free to be vulnerable. It’s so much easier to be together when we drop our masks.”
“He would bear scars because of me, as I carried them for him.”
“I couldn’t bear to be talked about. Some girls are shiny-sharp enough to not be damaged, but I didn’t think I would be.”