“Scott's mind was racing, struggling to comprehend the events unfolding around him. They were talking about disposing of Twinkle like he was a rusty old bike that no-one rode anymore.”

“If the onset of wrinkles in middle age were referred to as laughter lines, then to look at him, Scott thought, Twinkle's life must have been hilarious. He had sharp eyes that often seemed to visually contradict the lack of intelligence that could be derived from listening to him talk. There might not be a lot to respect in Twinkle, but Scott liked him. He just didn't want to end up like him.”

“That's why Twinkle likes the place so much, Scott thought, looking around at the faded wood veneer tables, and the faded souls drinking at them. Misery was soaked through the place like the old beer soaked through its carpets.”

“You need to talk to Alden about your feelings for him, Race said. "You don't know anything about it. Mind your own business, Race." You love him. I know. I'm in here. I feel your soul, Rose.”

“We'd pluck the spiky chestnuts, leaving their green outer shells intact, and throw them at the neighbor boys.I always took particular care in aiming for Jack's head. He told me later that he rode his bike by my house on purpose. I asked him if he liked pain.”

“If you control the cause you own the effect. If you don't, events will unfold like dominoes toppling and you will have no one to blame but yourself.”