I took a deep breath. God…I prayed. And then I realize that I had nothing more to say to him. Nothing at all. - Jane Yolen

But you know how it is: As soon as you decide to forget something, your brain comes to the conclusion that it’s the most fascinating thing in the world.

Dad, everyone knows Beelson is a nutcase! You should hear the things they say about him in school."
My father looked at me sadly. "I thought you didn't believe in basing your life on what everyone else says, Mr. Nonconformist."
"OK, skip what everyone else says. I think he's nuts.

But I scolded myself, That’s magical thinking, Marina. Consider instead what’s real.