Ronan taught me that children do not exist to honor their parents; their parents exist to honor them. [...] Ronan was mine but he never belonged to me. This is not an issue of ownership. A child is not a couch.

Everyone had a place. Everyone fit. Everyone belonged. Everyone but Anna Mae.

Wherever I am, you belong. You're mine. Say it.

Do you not understand?” he whispered. “I have never belonged to anyone. Not since I was a child. It is a lonely thing to be unclaimed by another. The idea that I could be yours seduces me more than you can know.

...People do belong to each other. Once you make a sacrifice for someone, you own part of his or her soul.

Unless there was an open heart, and caring hands, and listening ears, the children will not be able to correct their steps alone, or overcome their wrong habits that still need their parents’ efforts, patience and big and continuous support.