The world is quieter now. It is never quiet, but it can get quieter. What strange creatures we are, to find silence peaceful, when permanent silence is the thing we most dread. Nighttime is not that. Nighttime still rustles, still creaks and whispers and trembles in its throat. It is not darkness we fear, but our own helplessness within it. How merciful to have been granted the other senses.

Do you know when you cross against traffic? You look down the street and see a car coming, but you know you can get across before it gets to you. So even though there’s a DON’T WALK sign, you cross anyway. And there’s always a split second when you turn and see that car coming, and you know that if you don’t continue moving, it will all be over. That’s how I feel a lot of the time. I know I’ll make it across. I always make it across. But the car is always there, and I always stop to watch it coming.

I never know what you really want, if I can give it to you, or if I’m already too late.

I find faith in human perseverance, even as the universe throws challenge after challenge our way.

You don't know me. You know one me, just like I know one you. And you can't know every me, and I can't know every you.

You have to believe there are kisses and laughs and risks worth taking.

My pride shut me up, my hurt shut me down, and together they ganged up on my hope and let her get away.