If, as the dowager had said, we are nothing but gene carriers, why do so many of us have to lead such strangely shaped lives? Wouldn't our genetic purpose-to transmit DNA-be served just as well if we lived simple lives, not bothering our heads with a lot of extraneous thoughts, devoted entirely to preserving life and procreating? Did it benefit the genes in any way for us to lead such intricately warped, even bizarre, lives?

Something inside me had dropped away, and nothing came in to fill the cavern.

Despite your best efforts, people are going to be hurt when it's time for them to be hurt.

Problem is, once I sit at my desk and put all these down on paper. I realize something vital is missing. It doesn't crystallize - no crystals, just pebbles. And I'm not transported anywhere.

But the silence spoke volumes.

For a while" is a phrase whose length can't be measured.At least by the person who's waiting.

I'd be smiling and chatting away, and my mind would be floating around somewhere else, like a balloon with a broken string.