"This is such a small, quiet existence. I'm not a threat to any of the billions of particles outside my head. I'm drinking wine for better sleep. I had another birthday last week. I don't know what I am anymore. Or what I surrendered to the passing years. As the older parts of ourselves die, something new is born. That's the thing: trying to recognize and appreciate that new thing we become. Whatever I become, I hope I don't transcend vinyl records played late at night and tiptoeing towards headaches, getting close enough to feel their pulse but not close enough to wake them."