Bel Canto

by Ann Patchett

What she prayed for was nothing. She prayed that God would look on them and see the beauty of their existence and leave them alone.

“Most of the time we’re loved for what we can do rather than for who we are. It’s not such a bad thing, being loved for what you can do.” “But the other is better,” Gen said. Roxane pulled her feet into her chair and hugged her knees to her chest. “Better. I hate to say better, but it is. If someone loves you for what you can do then it’s flattering, but why do you love them? If someone loves you for who you are then they have to know you, which means you have to know them.” Roxane smiled at Gen.