I think art comes from some sense of discomfort with the world, some sense of not quite fitting with it. - Yann Martel

I was weeping because Richard Parker had left me so unceremoniously. What a terrible thing it is to botch a farewell...it's important in life to conclude things properly. Only then can you let go. Otherwise you are left with words you should have said but never did, and your heart is heavy with remorse

Things didn't turn out the way they were supposed to, but what can you do? You must take life the way it comes at you and make the best of it.

Was it the forgetfulness of old age or personal incapacity that made the man able to say please but not thank you?