[Mary gives this boy a neutral, considering look, as if seeing him for the first time. A future decided for him, huh? She'll have to touch on that later. Never let people push you around, kid.]

It's no metaphor, mate. I truly and honestly bargained my way out of Hell. [Nevermind that she can't remember exactly what. Only that it happened.] I must have been mad.

Though, that leaves the question: who was on the other side o' that bargain?