NOS4A2

by Joe Hill

She thought of mothering, which was really another word for being present and caring what happened to someone.

Was there any human urge more pitiful—or more intense—than wanting another chance at something?

Hooper, though, had tried to show him what to do. Hooper had tried to show him that even when you seemed completely overpowered, you could still show your teeth.

“How come you believe me?” “Because you’re my girl,” he said.

The worst things you think about me—they’re all true. But I love you and always have, and if I can do anything to help you now, I will.”

It sounded like delusion until you remembered that people made the imaginary real all the time: taking the music they heard in their head and recording it, seeing a house in their imagination and building it. Fantasy was always only a reality waiting to be switched on.

I think you’re suffering from the human condition.” “Can you die from that?” Wayne said. “Yes,” Lou said. “It’s pretty much fatal in every case.” Wayne nodded. “Okay. Well. I guess that’s good.”