The Lost Man

by Jane Harper

They lived in a land of extremes in more ways than one. People were either completely fine, or very not.

“Nathan, people pretend to themselves that they are fine all the time. Every day, and for years on end.”

“Life out here is hard. We all try to get through the best way we can. But trust me, there’s not a single person here who isn’t lying to themselves about something.”

“You are one of the worst around here for that kind of thing, by an absolute mile. You’re so far from fine that you’re terrified to admit to yourself how bad things have got.

“Sometimes—whether by accident, or whatever—I reckon sometimes things turn out for the best. And when you end up in the right place, it’s not always helpful to go digging up the road that got you there, you know?”

Those in great pain cause others great pain, and I hope, for your sake and for those around you, that you have found some peace.