“There was a time I didn't know your nameWhy should I worry, cry in vainbut now she's gone, and I don't worrycause I'm sittin' on top of the world.”

“I'm an old man, and she's gone now. So don't worry, okay?”

“One day I told him about the boys of the neighborhood, about their mocking.He said, "That's because they don't understand.""They should understand, I said. I didn't want to cry, but I was crying."If your mother had diabetes, what would they say?""I don't know.""This is like diabetes. She's not well. That's all."Was that what he told himself? That she was not well? That she might get better? I don't know.”

“Here," she said. "This is for you.""I didn't really get you anything," I sputtered. "I mean, I didn't know that you were going to be here, and--""Don't worry. It's your embarrassment at not having the thought that counts.”

“I don't want you to leaveWhich is exactly why I should. But don't worry. I'm essentially a selfish creature. I crave your company too much to do what I should.”

“I don't know. I didn't have that choice. But I know what's happening now. And I'm choosing to stay with you.”