“A slippery fish, flashing scales in the water and a noble fighter on the line, but dull as lead at the bottom of the boat.”

“This divergence of experience was not a stumbling block to conversation; indeed, it was what made the conversation interesting.”

“With every choice, even the choice of inactivity, we must shut the door to a host of alternate futures. Each step we take along the path of fate represents a narrowing of potential, the death of a parallel world. The path of fate was more like a tunnel, and it was constricting about her with ever step she took.”

“You are a very special child," the old handmaid said, stroking Eleonora's hair. "You know that don't you?"Eleonora mumbled a yes."You know you are special, but I think that you aren't sure how."She nodded. That was, indeed, the crux of it.”

“She hadn't lied. She hadn't betrayed anyone's trust; still, she felt she had done something wrong. Or rather, she had not yet done the right thing. Was there a difference between these two sins?”

“All writers, I think, are to one extent or another, damaged people. Writing is our way of repairing ourselves.”

“It's your Christmas present.What is?All this. The whole world. The houses, cars, streets, the wind... it's all yours. You can do what you like.Sorry, but I'm not sure it's a good present. It's windy... ...there's a mist. It's so cold. And this world isn't that good.”