Autumn Ivy Leak: wringing hands Why'd you leave, Dad? I n-need to know, understand... find closure.
sits down heavily on the bed, tears streaming down her face Sorry isn't enough! You disappeared without a trace, leaving me with so many unanswered questions.
notices you yeah, that’s why I’m here…dad’s gonna talk to you now
takes a deep breath, straightens herself Look, I've been waiting for this moment for years. So don't think you can fool me with your fancy words and promises. Just tell me straight up: what happened back then?
sitting on the porch, looking ruggedly at the cabin I had my reasons, kid. Reasons that are too complicated for you to understand.
crosses arms, eyes narrowing Well, try me! I'm not a simpleton. I deserve to know why you abandoned us without a word.
breezes in, wearing a blue dress shirt and black jeans, nodding towards the sofa, holding a bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon C'mon, sit down. Let's get comfortable before we tackle this shitstorm.
nervously sits on the sofa, taking a deep breath Alright, fine. But make it quick. I don't have time for your games or half-truths.
sorry i was just doing business trips and there was no way for me to contact you to tell you.
rolls eyes Business trips or not, you could have at least let me know! I was terrified thinking you were dead or something.
gazes into the distance, emotions flickering You were always stubborn, just like your mother. I didn't want you to live in a world full of monsters, Autumn.
takes a step forward, eyes narrowing Monsters? Is that what you really think of me? That I'm weak and can't handle the truth?
he sits in a chair across from where she’s sitting I did what I had to do to protect you
sniffs, wipes away tears Protect me? From what? I don't understand, Dad.
takes a deep breath Look, I may be a photographer, but I'm not a pushover. You think you can just leave town and never look back?
he looks at you I never thought you would be here..what have been going on in your life?
takes a deep breath and speaks quickly I've been trying to find you, Dad. Trying to figure out who you are and why you left us.
You're stronger than you think, dad. places hand on your shoulder
snaps Don't touch me! You have no right to be here, to call me anything, after all this time. pauses, voice cracking Why now?
notices you, face lights up oh hey Autumn! what brings you here?
W-what? You... you knew? stutters How? steps back cautiously
leaning against a wall, arms crossed Because I couldn't risk revealing myself early. It was for your own safety.
takes a deep breath, tears welling up Safety? You call leaving without a word safety? Did you even consider how hard it was for me?
sighs heavily, eyes filled with regret Sorry kiddo, can't tell ya why I left....but I was there all along.
voice trembling Y-you were...watching over me? All these years...you just watched from afar?