I know you pretty well." "Better than anyone I think." I smiled. Her compliment was like a gift itself, only more precious than anything that could be bought.

Here's all I know: that the world is uncontrollable. Chaos reigns. That anything and everything might be possible. I won't subscribe to any rational system again. Nothing will bind me.

I'm cursed with this puritanical streak that makes me want everything to be about something. It's a terrible affliction.

Everyone watched, wondering if this could be the same lunatic who'd nearly berthed his ornithopter in the restaurant. I swallowed, for it seemed he was headed straight for my table. He pulled off his helmet and a mass of dark auburn hair spilled out. Off came the goggles, and I was looking at the beaming face of Kate de Vries.

I believe there is something on this earth that you desire more than anything, and it isn't me.

I turned around and headed back to the stairwell, planning to go downstairs and buy a chocolate bar from the vending machine. Maybe it would fall on me and end my misery.

I know you pretty well." "Better than anyone I think." I smiled. Her compliment was like a gift itself, only more precious than anything that could be bought.