Hangsaman

by Shirley Jackson

It has always been my opinion, you know, that princesses are confined in towers only because they choose to stay confined, and the only dragon required to keep them there was their own desire to be kept. And I further believe, now, that if you erect a tower, princesses will flock to it demanding to be locked up therein.

a spot where two people have been talking, however briefly, is not after that a spot for one person to sit alone.

“I’m not going to stay long,” Natalie said inadequately. “Unless it’s warm.” Tony laughed. “How would you feel about heaven?” she asked. “You wouldn’t stay unless it was warm?”