The Whisper Man

I remembered my mother telling me that explanations and apologies were almost always for the person making them, and I felt an urge to tell Karen she could make herself feel better on her own time.

he knew now that things not only stood whether you wanted them to or not, but that sometimes they followed you forever.

“I love you, Jake.”

“Even when we argue?”

“Of course. Especially when we argue. That’s when it matters the most.”

Bad thoughts find empty heads.

The abduction of a child by a stranger is every parent’s worst nightmare. But statistically it is a highly unusual event. Children are actually most at risk of harm and abuse from a family member behind closed doors, and while the outside world might seem threatening, the truth is that most strangers are decent people, whereas the home can be the most dangerous place of all.

Courage is not the absence of fear, Pete knew. Courage requires fear.

People were self-centered and uncaring, and they paid little attention to things on their periphery. If you didn’t stand out, you vanished as quickly from their minds as a dream.

The only ghosts that existed were in your head. They spoke through you, not to you.

People worry too much about the nature of things. Sometimes it’s better just to go with them.

Although the future was uncertain, at least it was there.