The Hollow Apology

Desmond, who was usually never budged by Hazel's usual act of cuteness, had a flicker in his eyes this time and even sounded a bit encouraging. "If you want your mom to look after you, you can reach out to her yourself."

Hazel's face dropped, and she pouted. "What's the use of calling Mom? She won't listen to me, and she won't come look after me anyway."

Desmond replied calmly, "That's because you