“Well, thanks for not shooting anyone, I guess", said Marcus. "My contribution was to somehow refrain from peeing myself. You can thank me later.”

“It's good to see you," Said Haru."You can see me?" asked Marcus, patting himself in sudden shock."The potion must have worn off! That's the last time I give my lunch to a talking squirrel".P12”

“I can't imagine you not saying a word," said Marcus."I think you'd go crazy first.”

“I've never been this wet in my life, " said Kira. "Even immersed in a bathtub I swear I was dryer than I am now. ""Look on the bright side, " said Marcus. Kira waited. "This is the point at which you would traditionally suggest a bright side. ""I've never been a real traditional guy," said Marcus. "Besides, I'm not saying I know a bright side, I just think this would be a great time to look at one.”

“Hello, Bradley,' said Mom. She'd regained her composure after my outburst, and now raised her camera. 'Stand close.''No, Mom,' I said. 'No pictures.''But you're friend's here now,' she said, waving us together. 'Smile!''I don't need a picture with-' the flash snapped '-another guy. That's great, Mom, thank you. Send that one to Dad and tell him we're going steady.”

“We're taking you to the hospital,' it said, 'you're going into shock. Can you tell us how you feel?''I feel ...' What do I feel?I guess that's good enough.I feel.”

“Was that the girl who went to Manhattan with you?" Asked Marcus. "I think we owe her a cookie" "I think we owe her a whole damn bakery" said Xochi. "If I wasn't hip deep on the mud, I would kiss her on the mouth”