Absence of proof," said Bell, "is not proof of absence. - Ian Tregillis

Have you any idea how long and painful my convalescence was?"\nBerenice shrugged. "Have you any idea how little I care?

They were old enough to know such things were forbidden, yet young enough still to find the forbidden irresistible rather than terrifying.

You narrow-minded idiots have mistaken delaying the inevitable for a divinely bestowed right to survive…
You aren't noble survivors of a historical tragedy, you're a lingering curiosity of a bygone age. The last vestige of a primitive past. Dust to be swept away. The difference between you and I, dear Berenice, is that I recognized the broom for what it was. And got out of the way.