Because you don't notice the light without a bit of shadow. Everything has both dark and light. You have to play with it till you get it exactly right.

And when it comes, her kiss is like something not so much felt as found.

It is funny how you do not miss affection until it is given, but once it is, it can never be enough; you would drown in it if possible.

I know it. I know I shall make beastly mistakes, Father-" "The world does not forgive mistakes so quickly, my girl." He sounds bitter and sad. "If the world will not forgive me," I say softly, "I shall have to learn to forgive myself." He nods in understanding. "And how will you marry? Or do you intend to marry?" I think of Kartik, and tears threaten. "I shall meet someone one day, as Mother found you.

Why does anyone do anything? Belief. A belief that they are right and just in their actions. Abraham was willing to sacrifice his son, Isaac, because he believed that God had commanded it. To kill your son is unthinkable. A crime. But if you are acting in the belief that your God, your supreme deity whom you must obey, has demanded it of you, is it still a crime?

...because really, sometimes the irony gods just get drunk.

When the world moves forward too fast for some people, they try to pull us all back with their fear.