Run Away

by Harlan Coben

it all you want. Money may not buy happiness, but … well, nonsense. Money, pretty much more than anything else you might be able to control, can conjure up and elevate that elusive ideal we call happiness. Money eases stress. It provides better education, better food, better doctors—some level of

peace of mind. Money provides comfort and freedom. Money buys you experiences and conveniences and most of all, money buys you time, which, Simon had realized, was right up there with family and health.

God, grant me the SERENITY to accept the things I cannot change, The COURAGE to change the things I can, The wisdom to know the difference.

LOVE YOUR PARENTS. WE ARE SO BUSY GROWING UP, WE OFTEN FORGET THEY ARE GROWING OLD.

“Once one lie is let in the room, even for the best of reasons, a whole bunch more will ride in on its back. Then those lies will gang up and slaughter the truth.

“Most religious people don’t believe the dogma, Ash. We take from it what we want, we discard what we don’t. We form whatever narrative we like—kind God, vengeful God, active God, laid-back God, whatever. We just make sure we get something out of it. Maybe we get life everlasting while people we resent burn for eternity. Maybe we get something more concrete—money, a job, friends. You just change the narrative.”