The trick was looking past the illusion, because the exit was never as far away as it seemed.

It taught that there are three versions of things: the one I see in my mind, and the one that carries onto the paper, and then what it ultimately becomes.

...maybe hope isn't such a bad thing. Maybe it's what keeps us together.

In another time, in another place, I wonder who they might have been.

I used to have only one name; it used to mean something.

I don’t have too many books, I have too little shelving.

You’re insane, you know that?” he says. “It’s the only thing keeping me afloat,” I say.