The House in the Cerulean Sea

“Because people aren’t black and white. No matter how hard you try, you can’t stay on one path without diversions. And that doesn’t mean you’re a bad person.”

It’s not fair,” Linus said, staring off into nothing. “The way some people can be. But as long as you remember to be just and kind like I know you are, what those people think won’t matter in the long run. Hate is loud, but I think you’ll learn it’s because it’s only a few people shouting, desperate to be heard. You might not ever be able to change their minds, but so long as you remember you’re not alone, you will overcome.”

I think … it’s like one of Theodore’s buttons. If you asked him why he cared about them so, he would tell you it’s because they exist at all.”

“It’s not fair.”

“No. It’s not. Life rarely is. But we deal with it the best we can. And we allow ourselves to hope for the best. Because a life without hope isn’t a life lived at all.”

“It’s not fair.”

“No. It’s not. Life rarely is. But we deal with it the best we can. And we allow ourselves to hope for the best. Because a life without hope isn’t a life lived at all.”

“Arthur was a child?” Phee asked, astonished.

“Why would you think otherwise?” Arthur asked, taking Sal from her.

It was foolish, and most likely dangerous, but in the quiet darkness, there was no one who could take it away from him.

“Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.”

The only thing that smells foul here is Mr. Baker,” Phee said. “Because he’s sweating a lot.”

How can we fight prejudice if we do nothing to change it? If we allow it to fester, what’s the point?”