"Then somehow, quicker than a wink, I became the ferocious Nose-Kissing Monster, and the Shepherd organized great monster-hunts among his flock, for an hour of squeals, chases, and kissing tumbles. My first monster, I had thought him up only a week ago, while snuffiing Lorca: this was his first tryout and a grand success. I had never before realized how eager children are for a little monstrosity — not just any monstrosity, but one with some grace and control, funky and real enough to test themselves against, yet with the intelligence to be tamed, and not immune to reconciliation."
