“The young peoplenowadays – men and women, amateurs and pros – generally fallinto one of two categories: either they don’t know what it isthat’s most important to them, or they know but don’t have thepower to go after it. But this girl’s different. She knows what’smost important to her and she knows how to get it, but shedoesn’t let on what it is. I’m pretty sure it’s not money, orsuccess, or a normal happy life, or a strong man, or some weirdreligion, but that’s about all I can tell you. She’s like smoke: youthink you’re seeing her clearly enough, but when you reach forher there’s nothing there. That’s a sort of strength, I suppose.But it makes her hard to figure out.”

“Dixon Steele: You know, when you first walked into the police station, I said to myself, “There she is — the one that’s different. She’s not coy or cute or corny. She’s a good guy — I’m glad she’s on my side. She speaks her mind and she knows what she wants.”Laurel Gray: Thank you, sir. But let me add: I also know what I don’t want — and I don’t want to be rushed.”

“I’m really sorry, Lila.”“I know you are Bryon. That’s what makes you such a good guy.”“Well, that’s the general consensus among women.” He smiles at her.“I hope you can start working on your confidence soon. It makes me sad to see you so down on yourself.” “Mmm. True story. I don’t tell myself how incredibly handsome, smart, and funny I am nearly enough.”“You are smart, but I don’t know about the incredibly handsome part.”“And funny. Don’t forget the funny.”“Funny looking.”

“She’s got us, she’s got us all. Caverna. She doesn’t want to let us go. Do you know what she’s like? A huge trap-lantern with us inside her, digesting us really, really slowly, and not wanting to let any of us go. Maybe that’s the worst kind of prison – not knowing you’re in a prison. Because then you don’t fight to get out.”

“Look, there’s nothing I’m ever going to tell you about me that’s the truth. The more you know about me, the shorter your life span is going to be. All you need to know is that I don’t miss. In fact, you don’t even need to know exactly how good I really am, because if you ever find out, you’re going to be dead. (Steele)”

“It doesn’t matter’, she says, her voice soft. ‘Don’t beat yourself up for not knowing all the answers. You don’t always have to know who you are. You don’t have to have the big picture, or know where you’re heading. Sometimes it’s enough just to know what you’re going to do next.”