Lauren Suval

I stare at my reflection; at a girl who, sometimes, doubts her potential. I’m sure I know the song.

Maybe if I appear bright, the sky will follow suit. All I want to do is look like April.

He had an artist’s temperament, she said. A creative mind.

Teenage girls were scattered on the carpet in sleeping bags. Whispering. Story-telling when the lights went out. Breakfast in the morning featured Cinnabons and sleepy eyes. Crust in the corners. Naps when we got home.

Every morning, I’d stand at the bus stop with books in hand and a black tote bag that weighed heavy on my shoulders. Sometimes,there would be a driver who stared at me blankly, merely waiting for me to pay the fare and find a seat.

Life must go on and new memories can be cultivated. Change is okay. Change is healthy.

When my high school’s drama program announced the spring show, Les Miserables — one of the most beautiful and tragic broadway musicals to date — I couldn’t bring myself to audition. Aspirations were questioned. They were changing.

I’d mourn the loss of summer like a relationship that broke apart.

True-blue fans will tell you that it was a decade to be romanticized and glorified; it sent forth music that will always be a part of us.

His plate is wiped clean — he devoured the golden brown fries, only leaving tiny puddles of ketchup behind.

What about the friendship, the connection, that was already solidified? What about the banter, the laughter, the easygoing rapport? Where do they all go?

Here are some of my favorite quotes from the film that may hopefully provide solace for you as well. (And yes, Richard from Texas doles out the gems.)