What is destiny for any human being? What becomes of probabilities that collapse out of the timeline? Does destiny depend on who witnesses? - Lisa Mason

I didn’t lie. I implied.

My angel," he says, cradling her. "I'm not an angel, Daniel." "Yes, you are." "No! I'm not an angel and I'm not a whore. I have intelligence and passion, strength and perseverance. I am capable of abstract thought, intellectual accomplishment, and artistic expression just like you, sir." He ponders that as the brougham trots up Fifth Street to Market. "What shall I call you, then?" Zhu smiles. "You may call me a woman.

He uncorks the absinthe, pours three rounds.…
“After the first glass you see things as you wish they were. After the second, you see things as they are not. After the third, you see things as they really are, which is the most horrible thing in the world.”