The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion: Vol. 6

by Beth Brower

my eyes don’t need corrective lenses. Yet. I intend to rectify that as quickly as possible, bending over my tomes, reading by the stubs of candles I can’t afford, and ruining my eyes in a most glorious manner. Clearly, I have the self-sabotaging negligence required.

“To do as other people do is the ambition of snobs.”

“Mr. Flat is eating in his hermitage on the dining room floor again. For tonight only, he says. To restore his aquarium.” “I think the word he was searching for might be equilibrium.” “Yes, Miss.”

We often hear people say life is not fair, and yet it always feels like stubbing one’s toe when we actually find it to be true.

Perhaps it is loss that truly ages us in the end.

“How is being an adult treating you today, Lion? Have you been managing to act like one?” “I’ve fashioned a few mature qualities that I carry about, yes. Unfortunately, I’ve left them home this afternoon so as to come down to your level. Snobbery loves company.”

There is no feeling quite like finishing a book that you’ve loved.