All I can think is that when you torment a person...the soul dies. When the soul dies, I suppose mercy dies, too.
AviI kept asking myself if I felt different, if I was different. The answer was always yes. I was no longer nothingโฆ How odd, I thought; it had taken my motherโs death, Father Quinelโs murder, and the desire of others to kill me to claim a life of my own.
AviI took a deep breath. 'For you I've got something better than love.' What's that?' I...trust you.' Why?' You'll never hurt me.' Thank you.' But...' But, what?' I said, 'That means I'll hurt you.' Why?' 'Cause, like I said, you'll never hurt me back.
AviNow give me a kiss, say you love me and off you go." "Sure, Aunt Lu," I said, and I gave her the kiss she wanted. Then I ran out and caught my bus. I didn't say I loved her. I guess I did. But asking someone to say they love you--and she always asked--is like buying yourself a birthday present. It's more than likely exactly what you want. But it must make you feel awfully sad to get it.
Avi