As with marathon runs and lengths of toilet paper, there had to be standards to measure up to.

Of what value is a civilization that can't toast a piece of bread as ordered?

I'll never see them again. I know that. And they know that. And knowing this, we say farewell.

So I made up my mind I was going to find someone who would love me unconditionally three hundred and sixty-five days a year. Watanabe: Wow, and did your search pay off? M: That's the hard part. I guess I've been waiting so long I'm looking for perfection. That makes it tough.

I said nothing for a time, just ran my fingertips along the edge of the human-shaped emptiness that had been left inside me.

A man is like a two-story house. The first floor is equipped with an entrance and a living room. On the second floor is every family member's room. They enjoy listening to music and reading books. On the first underground floor is the ruin of people's memories. The room filled with darkness is the second underground floor.

Taking crazy things seriously is a serious waste of time.