I suppose in the end, the whole of life becomes an act of letting go, but what always hurts the most is not taking a moment to say goodbye.

Most of us get our history through story.

Religion?" Mr Kumar grinned broadly. "I don't believe in religion. Religion is darkness.

My life is like a memento mori painting from European art: there is always a grinning skull at my side to remind me of the folly of human ambition.

If you don't have dreams, how do you maneuver reality? Where do you get the ideas to change reality if not from dreams?

I cannot think of a better way to spread the faith. No thundering from a pulpit, no condemnation from bad churches, no peer pressure, just a book of scripture quietly waiting to say hello, as gentle and powerful as a little girl's kiss on your cheek.

My ears were full. Nothing more, not one more sound, could push into them and be registered.