"Well, that's all right, then," he said …

At worst, they figured that he would dismiss it …

“I have to know she’s safe; I cannot leave if she isn’t safe … “

"But a punishment is not an apology," Lukas explained …

Patrick bought the house for “two TV dinners and a song” (he told his mum) …

"Where will you go?" they asked him …

… she was afraid to remove the clockwork heart from her chest.

"So, you put coins on the eyes of the dead?" the journalist asked …

It took ages to finish …

"People are fickle! … “

As the moment predictably neared, Dillard gave everyone a comforting wink …

"So, do we have standards suddenly?" Terry asked, grinning …

She sat there, patting the tiny leg, with her mind racing …

"I turn to needles when I'm depressed or anxious ... “

"I think that'll do," he remarked casually …

“I know that we’re star stuff, Dad,” his son interrupted …

"Ugh, I hate summer," she said …

"I have to draw the line somewhere … “

Pale and serious, Kelvin pivoted slowly in his chair …