It's not so much that the old friend is a better friend. It's just that you know the person better, and you know they don't really care if you're acting like a poor, grovelling idiot. They know you would do the same for them.

Even enemies were an inch away from friendship.

I always marvel at the humans' ability to keep going. They always manage to stagger on even with tears streaming down their faces.

It kills me sometimes, how people die.

When finally she finished and stood herself up, he put his arm around her, best-buddy style, and they walked on. There was no request for a kiss. Nothing like that. You can love Rudy for that, if you like.

Trust was accumulated quickly, due primarily to the brute strength of the man's gentleness, his thereness. (p.36)

She didn't dare to look up, but she could feel their frightened eyes hanging onto her as she hauled the words in and breathed them out. A voice played the notes inside her. This, it said, is your accordion.