Her mom and dad are both doctors and want her to follow her dream, not turn out the way they have, no matter how much it costs them.

These stories are ghosts, bringing people back from the dead. Just for a moment. For a visit. Every story is a ghost.

Isn't a kid alive who doesn't dream about rewarding her folks, or punishing them.

Am I sleeping? Have I slept at all? This is insomnia.

Portland in particular is a cheap enough place to live that you can still develop your passion - painting, writing, music. People seem less status-conscious. Even wealthy people buy second-hand clothes and look a little bit homeless.

The more things you own, the more they own you.

To hell with housework, our top priority has always been between our legs.