`` i should have asked you about this earlier , '' he said , mostly to himself . how dare you try to manipulate your own mother ? she took careful steps , but they were solid . easy climbing hills change its kind nature , turned cruel by denying us down . tiles covered the floor , their faces worn smooth and white through the ages . there 's plenty of time for life after this . '' you 're only going to throw yourself back to the beginning . '' she 'd just handed me my ass in that classroom . 