Away, and mock the time with fairest show:
False face must hide what the false heart doth know.
-Macbeth Act I Scene VII[1]
The sky was blue and bright. The sun's rays, approaching noon, were gentle and warm. It was a temperate afternoon that made the frigidness of a few days ago seem like a dream.
"You don't know until you try. For one thing..."
"For one thing?"
"―I know I wouldn't become your enemy. Ever. No matter what happens, even if I'm killed, I would be on your side."
"Just pretty words."
"It's my resolve."
It was his will, and it was unwavering. In order to know, you had to try it first. He believed that human souls, when faced with a dilemma, would ultimately choose peace over war, songs and scriptures over weapons, and love over hatred. It wasn't a fantasy. It was hope. I still haven't abandoned hope. I want to find a road that you can't see, and point it out for you.
The first day or so we all pointed to our countries. The third or fourth day we were pointing to our continents. By the fifth day, we were aware of only one Earth.
- Sultan bin Salman Al-Saud, astronaut
After Shion had finished reading the picture book, Kalan gave a sigh of satisfaction.
"That was a good story."
Karan was at a loss for words. She couldn't let go of the arm she was grasping. The slender sixteen-year-old girl stood silently before her.
"Safu... what on earth are you saying? Do you know what kind of place the West Block is?"
"I don't. I've only heard that it's a terrifying place. But I'm still going."
I love him, love him. He's a millstone round my neck - he'll take me to the bottom with him. But I love this millstone of mine - I can't live without it.
-Chekhov "The Cherry Orchard" Act III[1]
The girl came just as Karan was about to close the blinds of the store.
"Ma'am, are there any muffins left?" She was an adorable child with a round face, probably not yet ten.
"We're all out of cheese, but if you like raisin muffins, we've got one of those left."
"I'll have it, please."