Royal Young's writing is that rare blend of irony and beauty.

I tried to convey to the boy how people's lives are often altered by curved lines read slowly from paper, sand, or stone.

It's tempting to imagine how we could hurt someone close, because it reminds us how fiercely we love them.

When somebody leaves this plane—or, if you like, goes into another room—those left behind sometimes try and stop loving—but this is a mistake, because even if you have loved only once in your life, you’re ruined.

Children are the closest we have to wisdom and they become adults the moment that final drop of everything mysterious is strained from them.

Anyone who is desperate or alone will agree there is comfort in routine.

Love between strangers takes only a few seconds and can last a whole life.