"No one vinces me, baby."

"When she came back down, Sam and Astrid had arrived.Sam hugged Dekka, and the two of them stayed that way for a long time, saying nothing. Both had loved Brianna.To Edilio, Sam said, "I'm so sorry, man. I wish I'd . . . You know what I wish.Edilio fought back a fresh rush of tears, nodded, waited until he was sure he could speak, and said, "I'm glad you're back, boss."

"If God gives you a Quiznos, can I have a bite? No way. You have to pray for your own food."

"Now, who else speaks for Perdido Beach?Bouncing Bette said, "Sam Temple here went into a burning building to rescue a little girl. He can speak for me, anyway.There was a murmur of agreement."Yeah, Sam is a hero for real, a voice said."He could have died, another voice seconded."Yeah, Sam's the guy.Caine's smile came and disappeared so quickly, Sam wasn't sure it had happened. For that millisecond it was a look of triumph. Caine walked straight up to Sam, open and forthright, hand extended."There are probably better people than me, Sam said, backing away."

"But then had come the voice that said, Come on, you little freak, wherever the hell you are, whatever the hell you are, let's get this done with."

"Scared people did scary things sometimes."

"The end is the best part of any story."

"I realized, when I saw the forest burning, how fascinating the firelight is. It's beautiful, and people stare at it, don't they? It destroys and kills people, but humans love it. Is it because they crave their own destruction, Sam? I want to understand your kind. I am going out into the wider world, and I must learn."