David

“After all, if you meet someone who is truly mentally ill, that’s the only way to know that you’re sane.”
― Freida McFadden, Ward D

“But when states are acquired in a country differing in language, customs, or laws, there are difficulties,”
― Niccolò Machiavelli, The Prince

“A person can learn all manner of things, no matter where he finds himself, provided his spirit is determined.”
― Hiromi Kawakami, The Briefcase

“Would you like to come sit over here?” Sensei said in a low voice. “Yes,” I replied, my voice also low. The seat on the other side of the man with the newspaper, next to Sensei, was empty. I told the bartender that I was moving. I picked up my saké bottle and cup and changed seats. “Thanks,” I said, and Sensei murmured something almost inaudibly in response. And then, both of us still facing forward, we each resumed drinking our own saké, together. After we paid our separate checks, we parted the shop curtain and stepped outside. It wasn’t as cold as I expected, and stars were twinkling in the sky. We had finished drinking later than usual.”
― Hiromi Kawakami, Strange Weather in Tokyo