There are such a lot of things that have no place in summer and autumn and spring. Everything thatโs a little shy and a little rum. Some kinds of night animals and people that donโt fit in with others and that nobody really believes in. They keep out of the way all the year. And then when everythingโs quiet and white and the nights are long and most people are asleepโthen they appear.
Tove JanssonLook at The Adventure. A boat by night is a wonderful sight. This is the way to start a new life, with a hurricane lamp shining at the top of the mast, and the coastline disappearing behind one as the whole world lies sleeping. Making a journey by night is more wonderful than anything in the world.
Tove JanssonThe lamp sizzled as it burned. It made everything seem close and safe, a little family circle they all knew and trusted. Outside this circle lay everything that was strange and frightening, and the darkness seemed to reach higher and higher and further and further away, right to the end of the world.
Tove Jansson