Writers by nature are subversive, observant, and discerning, and their voice contains that. - Amy Tan

My mother had a look on her face that I'll never forget. It was one of complete despair and horror, for losing Bing, for being so foolish as to think she could use faith to change fate.

"And when I say that is certainly true, that our marriage is over. I know what else she will say: "Then you must save it."
And even though I know it's hopeless- there's absolutely nothing left to save-I'm afraid if I tell her that, she'll still persuade me to try."

The farther you move from the core of the problem, the faster the situation spins out of control.