The End (A Series of Unfortunate Events, #13)

by Lemony Snicket

Yet it seemed that no matter where the Baudelaires traveled, there were people either so greedy that they respected and praised Olaf for his evil ways, or so foolish that they didn’t notice how dreadful he really was.

“I am your king!” Olaf announced in a grand voice. “Bow before me, Friday!” “No, thank you,” Friday said politely. “Our colony is not a monarchy.

It is almost as if happiness is an acquired taste, like coconut cordial or ceviche, to which you can eventually become accustomed, but despair is something surprising each time you encounter it.