not all journeys leave footprints that are visible to others

"He takes the soiled towel and once again rubs it anxiously against his face, and he reminds himself that not all journeys leave footprints that are visible to others.

...

He puts down the towel and stares unhappily into the mirror, conscious that too much life has flown from this one body in too short a space of time. A pulse still beats within him, that much he is sure of, but the rhythm is weaker now."

-- Dancing in the Dark, Caryl Phillips