I had the story, bit by bit, from various people, and, as generally happens in such cases, each time it was a different story.

When people ask for time, it's always for time to say no. Yes has one more letter in it, but it doesn't take half as long to say.

If we'd stop trying to be happy we could have a pretty good time.

If only we'd stop trying to be happy we'd have a pretty good time.

He had to deal all at once with the packed regrets and stifled memories of an inarticulate lifetime.

If only we'd stop trying to be happy we'd have a pretty good time.