The Rosie Result (Don Tillman, #3)

by Graeme Simsion

But she was three and we were her parents and we decided it would be worse if she could never speak or look after herself. Maybe you think that would be okay, and maybe it would be if the world was different. But I don’t care if you’ve got the same diagnosis—you’ve never been the same as she was and you can’t empathize. So, say whatever you like for yourself, but don’t stand up here, full of confidence with your smart words that my daughter would never have had in your perfect world, and say you speak for her.”

But science is so complex that most of us are forced to rely on authorities.

Most people found dissection unpleasant, yet it was important to be able to perform unpleasant tasks. Changing diapers, cleaning up vomit, and hugging relatives were life skills.

I hope what I said to Hudson about being able to do anything you want was okay. I don’t really believe it anymore, but you have to when you’re young.”