The enemies of narrative are those who believe in it and those who deny it. Both belief and denial throw existence into question. Narrative exists, and arguments either for or against it are false. Narrative is a ping-pong ball among blind spots when considered in the light of its advantages and defects."

"Sitting at the back of the room, Cybil is tasting veritable torments of pleasure. There is nothing dreamlike about her well-being. All of it is present, real, and very physical. Inordinately present. Who put this power of happiness in me? Who has made me this happy in a world of horrors? The word horror diverts Cybil's attention briefly but the present returns the stronger for it, brings her back to the raw pleasure of the sounds and heat of the bar. It's because I'm happy that I refused to give La Sixtine a story. Happiness abstracts me from the world, makes the world abstract for me."