You know, there's a reason we can remember," [Catarina] said more softly.
"That's much easier when your life has an expiration date."
"It may be more important for us.

You called me and said you were home and wanted to go out for a pizza."
"I did? What time is it?"
"Time for pizza," [Catarina] replied.

He lifted a glass. Ragnor and Catarina did not join him, but Magnus was happy to make the toast on his own.
"To adventure," he said, and drank.

Really?" [Catarina] said when he opened the door. " Two years and then you come back and don't even call for two weeks? And then it's 'Come over, I need you'? You didn't even tell me you were home, Magnus."
"I'm home", he said, giving what he considered to be his most winning smile. The smiling took a bit of effort, but hopefully it looked genuine.
"Don't even try that face with me. I am not one of your conquests, Magnus. I am your friend. We are supposed to get pizza, not do the nasty."
"The nasty? But I-"
"Don't." She held up a warning finger. "I mean it. I almost didn't come. But you sounded so pathetic on the phone I had to.

Magnus, you were trying to flirt with your own plate."

"I'm a very open-minded sort of fellow!

We live forever by the grace of human love, which rocked strange children in their cradles and did not despair and did not turn away.