With a secret like that, at some point the secret itself becomes irrelevant. The fact that you kept it does not.

You work hard on a book and throw it out there and then it's beyond your control.

Is where you're from the place you're leaving or where you have roots?

i'm afraid to breathe in case i break the spell

So what if I'm ninety-three? So what if I'm ancient and cranky and my body's a wreck? If they're willing to accept me and my guilty conscience, why the hell shouldn't I run away with the circus?

...if you expect people to try to do things your way, you're going to have to give some hints as to what that way is.

All right. Let's give you something to tell your grandkids about. Or great-grandkids. Or great-great-grandkids." I snort with glee, delirious with excitement. Charlie winks and pours me another finger's worth of whiskey. Then, on second thought, he tips the bottle again. I reach out and grab its neck. "Better not," I say. "Don't want to get tipsy and break a hip.