"That," Ossie says softly, "is the very reason why the training of child soldiers are abhorrent. Adults are one thing, but children rely on us for safety, love, comfort. They will starve themselves before they let go of it."

Wire mother, cloth mother.

"I wish I had something more comforting for you than that... you have to be the adult. You need not be perfect, of course, but. You have to be the adult. You have to manage your behaviour, you need to ensure that you're safe to be around. I've every faith you won't make the same mistake again."