Her fierce and fearful friend --who loved country music and cherry Pop Tarts and singing in public and the color pink, who was terrified of germs and dogs and ladders.

The rules of Panic are simple. Anyone can enter. But only one person will win.

And there it is: Even though we’re standing in the same patch of sun-drenched pavement, we might as well be a hundred thousand miles apart.

We aim at the infinite, and when our arrow falls to earth it is in flames. [...] You have given me the companionship of dear friends who have helped to keep alive the fire in my heart. If I could think that I had sent a spark to those who come after, I should be ready to say goodbye.

True friendship is as rare as twin lotuses on a single stalk.

A good friend keeps your secrets for you. A best friend helps you keep your own secrets.