The DallerGut Dream Department Store (DallerGut Dream Department Store, #1)

by Lee Mi-ye

The more we learn, the more insistent our curiosity becomes. And the more complicated our questions get, the more we wish for simple answers.

“The time I love most is when everyone is asleep, teacher. In sleep we do not dwell on regrets about the past or anxiety over the future. We do not even recognize we are asleep in the present as it is happening. But I am a measly being, and could never request to govern such a time.”

we all sleep to get closure on yesterday and prepare for tomorrow. In that sense, sleep is no longer a waste of time.”

“It’s been ages since this happened! I should leave early, too. I have a family gathering tonight. My youngest can finally do a handstand! So we’re going to celebrate,” Weather laughs.

“I mean, what fun is it if you know your future in advance?”

“There is no such future as grand as you might imagine. There’s only the excitement of the present and dreams for tonight.”

It’s all in your head, kiddo. As far as I know, the world has seen scarier things. Jealousy, inferiority complexes... These are the things to watch out for nowadays, scarier than a wild beast chasing you.”

“Let’s eat well, sleep well and have sweet dreams!”

Yet the whales roaming the ocean are not free on land, and the eagles soaring through the sky are not free in the ocean. Freedom comes in different shapes and forms; every living thing is granted limited freedom.”

“What makes you feel you’re not free?” he asks to the breathless audience. “Whatever it is that has you bound—whether that is a place, a time, or an outdated belief around a physical disability... Please don’t dwell there. Instead, seek out the things that do bring you freedom.

Do we have to be successful? If you’ve done your best, isn’t that already a success?

“Inspiration is a convenient word. It suggests that grand ideas might come out of nowhere, emerging across a blank slate. But in fact, a great idea hinges on how much time you spend agonizing over it, and that’s what makes all the difference: whether you spent enough time searching for the answer or not. That’s the key. My friend, you just stuck around and agonized until you found your answer.”

“I believe there are two ways to love your life, Penny. The first is to work hard to change your life when you feel unsatisfied.”

“To accept your life as it is and be grateful. It’s easier said than done. But if you can do it, I believe you’ll realize that happiness is just around the corner.”