“I'm not tempted by things I've decided are off-limits, but once I've started something, I have trouble stopping. If I never do something, it requires no self-control for me; if I do something sometimes, it requires enormous self-control.”

“Self-control is something for which I do not strive. Self-control means wanting to be effective at some random point in the infinite radiations of my spiritual existence.”

“Because I want to see. I've got to know what's going to happen while I'm still enough in control to be able to do something about it.”

“There was something almost sacred in the self-sacrifice that I felt was required of me as a mother, caring for this child.”

“I don't know whether these feelings - this thing growing inside of me - is something horrible and sick or the best thing that's ever happened to me.Either way, I can't stop it. I've lost control. And the truly sick thing is that despite everything, I'm glad.”

“The sex is just sex. I can't get close enough to you. The control is because I'm frightened to death that something will happen to you...that you'll be taken away from me. I've waited too long for you, Ava. I'll do anything to keep you safe. I've lived a life with little control or care. Believe me, I need you..please...please don't leave me.”