A Little Life

by Hanya Yanagihara

When did pursuing your ambitions cross the line from brave into foolhardy? How did you know when to stop?

But these were days of self-fulfillment, where settling for something that was not quite your first choice of a life seemed weak-willed and ignoble. Somewhere, surrendering to what seemed to be your fate had changed from being dignified to being a sign of your own cowardice. There were times when the pressure to achieve happiness felt almost oppressive, as if happiness were something that everyone should and could attain, and that any sort of compromise in its pursuit was somehow your fault.

You’re just looking for a reason to tell him, and then what will he think of you? Be smart. Say nothing. Have some self-control.)

He experienced the singular pleasure of watching people he loved fall in love with other people he loved.