After a moment, June looked to Mark, who nodded.
"Ty," June started. "We know we've been bad parents. We're going to make up for that."
Ty interrupted, "No, Mom, it's not about that. Well, it sort of is, but it's not about making up for the past. This is about a fresh start."
"Let me continue, please," she said. "You father and I have talked it over, and you were right about there needing to be big changes around here. We have a plan. Now we know you don't like having to do chores, so you don't have to do them any more. The three of us will do them all."
Dustin frowned a bit, but said nothing. He had a pretty good idea who "the three of us" was going to be in practice.
"That includes the yard, and cleaning the garage and basement," Mark added. "Also, we know you've been unhappy about not being able to go out when you want, or to have friends over to visit. Now you can do that any time you like. We'll increase your allowance, so that you can have fun with your friends. Also, we've decided to buy you a car. We'll cut back on some of our luxury items so that we can afford it." He hastily added, "That doesn't mean cutting back on any of the things you like, of course."
Dustin said, "You can even play games on my Xbox any time you like. In fact, I'll give it to you. It's _your_ Xbox now."
Tt looked down at his feet, as June added, "I'll cook only the meals you like. Just tell me anything you'd like to have. You don't have to eat any vegetables you don't like. You can have as much dessert as you want. You can even have it before dinner, if you prefer. And you don't have to take a turn doing the dishes. Also, you can do your homework when you want. We won't nag you about it. If you want, we'll do it for you!"
Mark asked, "How does that sound? And that's just for starters! If there's _anything_ else we can do for you, just let us know. Your happiness is our number one priority!"
Then they noticed that Ty was visibly shaking. He felt like he wanted to shrink away into non-existence. He realized that they were still absolutely terrified of him. They thought he was a monster. "I've tried so hard to fix things," he thought to himself. "But maybe I am just a monster. Is that all I can ever be now?"
June asked, obvious concern in her voice, "Ty, honey, what's wrong? Please tell us! We'll do literally everything we can to make you happy!"