" Dad, Dad, Dad. What’s wrong?” Alfred looked up at his son and into his eyes. He opened his mouth, but the only word he could produce was “I—” I— I have made mistakes— I am alone— I am wet— I want to die— I am sorry— I did my best— I love my children— I need your help— I want to die— “I can’t be here,” he said. "

― Jonathan Franzen , The Corrections