“What seems tragic now won't even be an issue in a few years time.”

“Aim for something Rosie, I know you don’t want to hear it, but it willhelp. Aim for what you want and the year will all make sense. Go to Bostonif that will make you happy. Study hotel management like you’ve alwayswanted.You’re only young Rosie, and I know that you absolutely hate to hearthat but it’s true. What seems tragic now won’t even be an issue in a fewlove, rosie 29years time. You’re only 17. You and Alex have the rest of your lives to catchup together . . . After all, soul mates always end up together. Silly Bethanywon’t even be remembered in a few years time. Ex-girlfriends are easily forgotten.Best friends stay with you forever.”

“Don't be a victim of the urgent. In the long run, much of what seems so pressing right now won't even matter. What you do with your children will matter forever.”

“Wounds do eventually heal after a fashion, even emotional ones. What seems bad one day, is not quite as bad a year from now.”

“The atheism and nihilism of my earlier years now seems shallow, and even a bit cocky.”

“Even if all the clocks in the station break down, thought Hugo, time won't stop. Not even if you really want it to.Like now.”