She was a thin woman in a mustard-yellow suit, with a yellowish complexion, short-cropped rusty red hair, and a stiff posture. She reminded Reynie of a giant walking pencil.

Everything is as it should be.

I've only just arrived, Kate. It may surprise you to learn that you were my top priority.

They stared out their window at night enough to know where the darkest shadows lay, and it was to the darkest shadows they kept.

Daddy, will you take me to the mill, again?

I was always interested in the possibility maybe of finding my way into a big adventure.

What is life without laughter?