But seventeen is an inconvenient time to fall in love.

I realize then that it's not enough to know what someone is called. You have to know who they are.

Willem tsk-tsks. "You Americans are so violent. I'm Dutch. The worst I will do is run her over with a bicycle.

Anything can happen in one day.

It feels like the city is telling secrets down here, privy only to those who think to listen.

Saba used to say there was a difference between bravery and courage. Bravery was doing something dangerous without thinking. Courage was walking into danger, knowing full well the risks.

Girlfriend is such a stupid word. I couldn't stand calling her that. So, we had to get married, so I could call her 'wife.