I started writing at the kitchen table after midnight. It took ten months to finish that first book; I sent it to a publisher and I got some kind of prize, so it was like a dream - I was surprised to find it happening.

When you come out of the storm, you won’t be the same person who walked in. That’s what this storm’s all about.

Not that running away's going to solve everything. I don't want to rain on your parade or anything, but I wouldn't count on escaping this place if I were you. No matter how far you run. Distance might not solve anything.

Most young people were getting jobs in big companies, becoming company men. I wanted to be individual.

I used to think the years would go by in order, that you get older one year at a time. But it's not like that. It happens overnight.

I saw that she was crying. Before I knew it, I was kissing her. Others on the platform were staring at us, but I didn't care about such things anymore. We were alive, she and I. And all we had to think about was continuing to live.

"I believe you," she whispers after a moment. "Please find my mind."