If he is anything other than a total gentleman, I’m going to gouge his eyes out.” “So you’re into it.” “Withholding judgment! When can I see you?” “Certainly not until you finish An Imperial Affliction.” I enjoyed being coy. “Then I’d better hang up and start reading.” “You’d better,” I said, and the line clicked dead without another word. Flirting was new to me, but I liked it.

To be abandoned like that! Shut out when you most need to be loved.

The snow may be falling in the winter of my discontent, but at least I've got sarcastic company.

I feel like crying, so I must be crying, but it's impossible to tell because I'm underwater.

I like this world. I like drinking champagne. I like not smoking. I like Dutch people speaking Dutch.

No reason to be angry. Anger just distracts from the all-encompassing sadness.

It's fine," I repeated. And whatever. It was fine. It had to be.