This time, Ronan didn't snap back. His eyes were red-rimmed and glassy with unshed tears, and he clutched the hem of my shirt so hard his fingers blanched from the pressure.
His voice was rough and gravelly, thick with a stuffy nose and the raw, desperate shake of sobs.
"Marge, I know I messed up. I really do." He sniffled. "Can you not send me to be recycled? I'll change. I'll listen to every word you say from now on and do anything you want me to do. I'll never ever treat you badly again, I'm begging you..."
I stared at his groveling, broken figure and agreed far too quickly. "Sure. Just give me back the money I paid for you."
All the light drained out of his eyes in an instant, like someone had ripped his soul right out of his body.
He opened his mouth to speak, but no words cam
