Later she sat on the ground in the forest between school and home, and spring was so bright and beautiful, the warm air touched her so tenderly, she could almost feel herself changing into a flower. Her light dress felt like petals. "I love everything," she heard herself say. "So do I," a voice answered. Pearl straightened up and looked around. No one was there.

Oh, Life, I am yours. Whatever it is you want of me, I am ready to give.

To tell the truth, I don't read children's books. I'm an adult. I just write them.

How deeply one felt when alone.

I've always despised old people. I got angry at my father when he began to show signs of age.

I think I feel a little differently than other people do. For some reason I've never felt grown up.

When they had eventually calmed down a bit, and had gotten home, Mr. Duncan put the magic pebble in an iron safe. Some day they might want to use it, but really, for now, what more could they wish for? They all had all that they wanted.