Monday

The witching hour, somebody had once whispered to her, was a special moment in the middle of the night when every child and every grown-up was in a deep deep sleep, and all the dark things came out from hiding and had the world all to themselves
--Roald Dahl, The BFG

The measure of a man's character is what he would do if he knew he would never be found out.
--Lee Martin, The Bright Forever

And when I would have to look at them day after day, each with his and her secret and selfish thought, and blood strange to each other blood and strange to mine, and think that this seemed to be the only way I could get ready to stay dead, I would hate my father for having ever planted me. I would look forward to the times when they faulted, so I could whip them. When the switch fell I could feel it upon my flesh; when it welted and ridged it was my blood that ran, and I would think with each blow of the switch: Now you are aware of me! Now I am something in your secret and selfish life, who have marked your blood with my own for ever and ever.
--William Faulkner, As I Lay Dying

Each leaf that brushed his face deepened his sadness and dread. Each leaf he passed he'd never pass again. They rode over his face like veils, already some yellow, their veins like slender bones where the sun shone through them. He had resolved himself to ride on for he could not turn back and the world that day was as lovely as any day that ever was and he was riding to his death.
--Cormac McCarthy, Child Of God

She was beautiful-- but especially she was without mercy. He must own that strength that could send him away.
--F.Scott Fitzgerald, The Beautiful And The Damned

There is no happy land. There is no end to hunger.
--Thomas Wolfe, Look Homeward, Angel