“I pull into the mall. This is the place to go when you're feeling homesick for California. The rest of the world likes our buildings, contructs with 'character,' but Californians like everything spanking new, clean as an unopened package of plastic spoons.”

“But when you read books you almost feel like you're out there in the world. Like you're going on this adventure right with the main character. At least, that's the way I do it. It's actually not that bad. Even if it is mad nerdy.”

“When you leave New York, you are astonished at how clean the rest of the world is. Clean is not enough.”

“Not only will my kids be out to replace me, but so will all my clones. Makes me feel so disposable, like a plastic spoon.”

“The first night in a new place usually gives me a tinny, homesick feeling that makes it hard to sleep. Not homesick for anywhere in particular. Just a general feeling of uprootedness. Loneliness. Even if people I love are sleeping nearby.”

“We stick to the magical places in the world,” Asahi clarified.“Places like the MBRC, the Redwood forest of California, the less populated parts of New Zealand and Japan, Disney World, and Atlantis,” Madeline listed, ticking the places off on her fingers.“Wait, Disney World?” I interrupted.“The most magical place on Earth.”