“They ignore the reality that a new version of the same old problem will be waiting at the end of the trip—the relative you cringe to kiss.”

“The impoverished always try to keep moving, as if relocating might help. They ignore the reality that a new version of the same old problem will be waiting at the end of the trip- the relative you cringe to kiss.”

“Crowds of questions stream through me like lines of people exiting a soccer ground or a concert. They push and shove and trip. Some make their way around. Some remain in their seats, waiting for their opportunity.”

“Lua and Marie are holding hands.They look like they’re so happy, just inside this moment, watching the kids and the lights on their old fibro house.Lua kisses her.Just softly on the lips.And she kisses back.Sometimes people are beautiful.Not in looks.Not in what they say.Just in what they are.”

“It's not so much that the old friend is a better friend. It's just that you know the person better, and you know they don't really care if you're acting like a poor, grovelling idiot. They know you would do the same for them.”

“Sitting on the ground, she looked up at her best friend. "Danke," she said. "Thank you." Rudy bowed. "My pleasure." He tried for a little more. "No point asking if I get a kiss for that, I guess?" "For bringing my shoes, which you left behind?" "Fair enough." He held up his hands and continued speaking as they walked on, and Liesel made a concerted effort to ignore him. She only heard the last part. "Probably wouldn't want to kiss you anyway -- not if your breath's anything like your shoes." "You disgust me," she informed him, and she hoped he couldn't see the escaped beginnings of a smile that had fallen from her mouth.”

“It's the sound of my breathing that gets me, pouring down into my lungs and then tripping back up my throat.”