I often think my life would be a lot easier if I were a mute.

Misery alternates with euphoria.

I love the slow, warming sensation of my body going numb when I drink.

You were the best thing in my life … I did love you. I do. As much as I’ve ever loved anyone, as much as I can. It feels like a lot – it takes up my whole heart.

What was it called, that symbol of the serpent eating its own tail? It probably signified infinity, endlessness, timelessness. But for me it would mean the effort to love well going on and on, round and round, always imperfect and always forgivable. The best we could ever do for each other.

... laughter is cathartic and cleansing, that it's good for the body and the soul, and when it's real it's better than sex.

Little things. The thought of losing them makes them unbearably dear ... I only think of the sweetness. Simple things. The quarter moon, the taste of an orange. The smell of the pages of a new book.