“Sometimes broken people stay broken.”

“It is the way of mortals. They fling themselves at life and emerge broken.”

“Adam has always had . . . heroic tendencies.”I touched Adam’s arm. “He’s my hero.”There was another pause. . .“That is the most romantic thing I’ve ever heard you say,” Bran said. “Be careful, Adam, or you’ll turn her into a real girl.”Adam looked at me. “I like her just the way she is, Bran.” And he meant it, greasy overalls, broken fingernails, and all.”

“I thought it would be quieter here.” [Anna] hadn’t meant to say anything, but the noise startled her. “The wind in the trees,” Bran said. “And there are some birds that stay year-round. Sometimes when the wind is still and the cold is upon us, the quiet is so deep you can feel it in your bones.”

“Staying in that house alone didn't appeal to me - some ghost hunter I was. Nothing had happened, and I was already jumpy.”

“Sometimes I have the urge to conquer large parts of Europe.”

“Sometimes I think I live more closely to the past than the present.”