Saying my story makes me want to change it, make it sound pretty the way I do with the stories I tell the workers. I'd like it to have a beginning as grand as a ball and an ending in a whisper, like a mother tucking in a child for sleep.

And Isi always listened, never told Enna she had been foolish, never said hollow things like 'You'll be all right.' . . . Isi saw Enna's struggle and her sadness, and she understood.

... If we don't tell strange stories, when something strange happens we won't believe it.

Yes, we'll yell, 'Help, help us, goose girl, and bring the terrifying legion of warrior geese'.

No wolf falters before the bite So strike No hawk wavers before the dive Just strike

The woman gestured to a seat and put on a patient face. An impatient sort of patient face, like an impatient face dressing up as a patient one for Halloween.

I know they are naught things, but I devour novels.” (p. 57).