“Your head will be fine,” said Miri. “It’s your neck you should worry about.”

“No matter that we could be beheaded for this,” said Esa. “Heads are overrated.”“Yes, they are so unfashionable,” said Miri, imitating an Aslandian accent. “This spring, ladies of style are wearing their feathers in their necks.”

“If you let your head get too big, it'll break your neck.”

“How do you feel?” I asked, trying to bring my heart rate down. It wasn’t having any of it. “How’s your head?”“My head’s fine,” he said, winding his arms around my back. “It’s my goddamn heart that’s about ready to bust something.”

“Put your foot upon the neck of the fear of criticism by reaching a decision not to worry about what other people think, do, or say.”

“Mom always said people worried too much about their children. Suffering when you are young is good for you, she said. It immunized your body and your soul.”