This quote from John Marsden's The Night Is for Hunting resonates deeply with the essential role that storytelling plays in shaping human identity. Every individual is a mosaic of their experiences, woven together into the stories they tell themselves and others. The act of narrating these experiences not only solidifies them in memory but also carves the contours of who we are—the choices we've made, the challenges we've faced, the values we've embraced. The idea that without stories, someone ‘‘wouldn't be human, wouldn't exist’’ underscores how intrinsic storytelling is to our very existence. It suggests that our humanity is inseparable from our narratives; they grant us self-awareness and a sense of place in the world. Moreover, the reflection on alternate stories hints at the fluidity of identity. Had our personal histories been different, so too would be our character, perspective, and essence. This emphasizes the delicate balance between fate and self—while we may be tethered to our past, storytelling allows us the power to understand, reinterpret, and sometimes reshape our sense of self. Ultimately, this passage invites us to recognize the value of introspection and the stories we've accumulated. They are not merely recollections but foundational elements that compose our humanity. It challenges readers to embrace their personal histories, acknowledge their impact, and perhaps find empowerment in the narratives they choose to tell and live by.