In Val McDermid's book "Out of Bounds," the author reflects on the shared humanity of individuals, emphasizing that everyone, regardless of their current situation, was once a child with dreams and aspirations. She observes that we often encounter people whose lives have taken tragic turns, leading them to a state far from their youthful hopes.

McDermid suggests that no one envisions a future where they become someone struggling with life's challenges. Instead, she highlights a sense of empathy for those who have lost their way, reminding readers that underlying their actions is a history of innocence and potential that once existed.