He'd been wrong, there was a light at the end of the tunnel, and it was a flamethrower.

But at least the way was clear now. When you step off a cliff, your life takes a very definite direction.

Mort was hurt by this. It was one thing not to want to marry someone, but quite another to be told they didn't want to marry you.

— YOU MUST LEARN THE COMPASSION PROPER TO YOUR TRADE.
— And what's that?
— A SHARP EDGE.

Truly, he thought, the way of enlightenment is like unto half a mile of broken glass.

Mort was already aware that love made you feel hot and cold and cruel and weak, but he hadn't realized that it could make you stupid.