That was the way things worked out: you got a certain fair share of good breaks from life, and you had no right to expect things your way every time. - Algis Budrys

You're sincere enough." She laughed shortly. "Heaven protect the human race from the sincere idealist!

I know what Claire is. You know I know it. I told you the first minute I met you. But did you ever stop to think it’s all worth it to me? Every time she makes a pass at another man, I know she’s comparing. She’s out on the open market, shopping. And being shopped for. I don’t have any collar around her neck She’s not tame. I’m not a habit to her. I’m not something she’s tied to by any law. And every time she winds up coming back to me, you know what that proves. It proves I’m still the toughest man in the pack. Because she wouldn’t stay if I wasn’t.

There has to be an end somewhere, he thought. Each thing has to end, or there will never be any room for beginnings.