Elizabeth

“Some of us think holding on makes us strong but sometimes it is letting go”
― Herman Hesse

“Mercer,” Polly says, “we are now going to hug. As a group. The experience will be very un-English. It will be good for you. Do not speak, at all, especially not in an attempt to diffuse the emotional intensity of the situation.”

They hug, somewhat awkwardly, but with great feeling.

“Well,” Mercer says, after a moment, “that was certainly—”

“I will hit you with a shovel,” Polly Cradle murmurs.”
― Nick Harkaway, Angelmaker

“Unsheltered, I live in daylight. And like the wandering bird I rest in thee.”
― Barbara Kingsolver, Unsheltered

“nothing momentous comes in this world unless it comes on the shoulders of kindness.”
― Barbara Kingsolver, The Lacuna