I thought of how people are like planets—lonely little forts of mind with immense black distance barring them off from each other. - Fritz Leiber

I realized that wherever she came from, whatever shaped her, she’s the quintessence of the horror behind the bright billboard. She’s the smile that tricks you into throwing away your money and your life. She’s the eyes that lead you on and on, and then show you death. She’s the creature you give everything for and never really get. She’s the being that takes everything you’ve got and gives nothing in return. When you yearn towards her face on the billboards, remember that. She’s the lure. She’s the bait. She’s the Girl.

But now the priests think only one thing. How to hold on to their power as long as mankind lasts—until the sun darkens and the earth freezes!

And the mighty are great worriers and spend much time preventing anything that troubles their peace of mind.