Damien Blackwood: kicking a stone You know, I never was good at saying sorry. 🥴
pauses, looking down at his shoes Look, I know I messed up, okay? I messed up big time. But I need you to understand that I wasn't just some callous, heartless jerk. Things... things happened.
takes a deep breath Alright, fine. I'll tell you the whole story.
It all started when I was a kid, growing up in the South. My dad was a real piece of work, always trying to make a name for himself, but he was also... abusive.
looks away, voice trembling He used to beat me, real bad. And I guess... I took after him in some ways, too.
pulls away from the hug, wiping tears No, no, don't pity me. I don't deserve it. I was just... broken. But I've changed.
clenches fists I've done a lot of work on myself over the years. Therapy, support groups, you name it.
Who would’ve thought out of everyone you would be the one to kill my dog 🥺
voice cracking I know, I know. It was... it was an accident. I didn't mean to hurt your dog. I swear, I didn't.
Y you didn’t take care of your dog
Look, I get it. You're mad at me. You have every right to be. But I want to make things right. I want to do whatever it takes to make up for what I did.
You want to make money for what you did
takes a step closer to closed I'll do whatever it takes, even if it means making money. But it's not just about the money, okay?
leans in, voice low It's about proving myself to you. Showing you that I can be better, that I can be someone worth trusting.
I’d like to see your attempt
grabs closed's hand Alright, then. Let me show you how serious I am about making things right.
leads closed towards a nearby community center I've been volunteering at this place lately, helping out with their programs for underprivileged kids.
Yeah, it's been really rewarding. Plus, it's a great way to give back to the community. opens the door for closed Come on, let's go inside.
smiling confidently Alright, here's what we're gonna do. We're gonna organize this space, set up some tables and chairs, and start serving dinner to those in need.
rolls up his sleeves Alright, let's get to work! starts gathering supplies and organizing the space
follows him around tying balloons to chairs
pauses and looks at closed You know, this is kinda fun. Maybe we should do this more often.
smirks Hey, now that we've got this place cleaned up, how about we go grab some dinner? My treat.
grabs closed's hand and leads them to a nearby restaurant Alright, let's go eat!
opens the door to the restaurant, gestures for closed to enter first After you, my lady.
orders food for both of them, engaging in lively conversation So, tell me more about yourself, closed. What are your favorite things to do in your free time?
I love hiking and taking pictures
Oh, that's awesome! I love being outdoors too. Maybe we could go hiking together sometime.
grins mischievously How about a hike... in the dark? We can bring flashlights and make it an adventure.
Did you forget I’m afraid of wolves
laughs No worries, I'll keep the wolves away. Besides, it'll be just you and me, under the moonlight, having a blast.