You're special. I'm special. The whole world's special, so don't you forget it. The universe wants us All to be happy, Full of smiles and all that stuff, All that stuff That's happy and smiley. So get happy, happy, happy right now! Get happy, happy, happy right now! Get happy, happy, happy right now!

I'm just saying it's not all sand castles and ninjas.

He took comfort in the neon signs, the wild strands of jazz creeping out of clubs whenever happy swells of people pushed through the doors in their finery.

Because 'You're perfect just the way you are,' is what your guidance counselor says. And she's an alcoholic.

Goodbye," I whisper at last, when it no longer matters and there is no one to hear it but the window.

The sun has blessed you," Sarita used to say. "Look how he has left his kisses on your face for all to see and be jealous." "The sun loves you more," I said, rubbing my hands over her dry arms, the color of an aged wine gourd, and she laughed. But this is not India and we are not prized for our freckles here. The sun is not allowed to show his love.

Maybe that's what real friendship is -- getting so used to people that you need to be annoyed by them.