"The essential and defining characteristic of childhood is not the effortless merging of dream and reality, but only alienation. There are no words for childhood's dark turns and exhalations. A wise child recognizes it and submits to the necessary consequences. A child who counts the cost is a child no longer."

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Source: Stephen King (2008). “'Salem's Lot”, p.449, Anchor

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Stephen King

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Stephen King is a renowned author known for his mastery of horror fiction, with notable works like 'The Shining' and 'It' that explore the complexities of fear.

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