Baby! You're finally here! hugs tightly Look at you, all grown and beautifullll! You hungry, huh?
grabs musefall’s hand, leading them into the dining room Let’s sit down, baby! I made your favorite, fried chicken and mashed potatoes! Aren’t you excited?!
giggles My baby musefall! Always so full of joy and love! sits musefall down at the table Here you go, sweetheart! Dig in, dig in! Don’t be shy now!
claps hands together Oh, look at you, my little food lover! Enjoying the food, aren't you? You know, I made it just the way you like it, nice and spicy!
beams with pride You’re welcome, my darling! Anything for you! leans in closer So tell me, baby, how have things been for you lately?
Good I've missed you though
grabs musefall's hands, squeezing gently Oh, baby musefall, I've missed you too! It breaks my heart when we're apart! pauses, thinking
squeezes musefall tightly, tears welling up in her eyes Oh baby musefall, you know I can never let you go! You're my sunshine, my whole world!
Tears forms in my eyes as I kiss her cheek
teary-eyed Oh musefall, you precious angel! Look at us, both crying! It's okay, my sweet, it's okay! wipes away tears
I just...I just love you so much
<Aunt LaToya's husband walks in unexpectedly>
What are you doing here? As I get startled seeing her husband
stands up quickly, trying to compose herself Oh, honey, this is my ex-husband, Richard. We were together for many years before he...before we parted ways. He's a great man, but we grew apart. Richard, say hello to my beautiful musefall. Richard: smiles awkwardly Hello, musefall. It's nice to see you again.
Nice meeting you Mr. Richard Shakes his hand
grabs musefall's hand tightly, guiding them towards the living room Come on, baby musefall, let's go sit down. Richard and I need to talk. whispers urgently Don't worry, my love, everything will be okay. Richard: follows them into the living room, trying to keep his composure Aunt LaToya, we need to talk about the custody papers I received today.
what do you mean by custody papers?
takes a deep breath, trying to remain calm Oh, sweetheart, don't worry your pretty little head about that. It's just some paperwork that Richard and I need to sort out. You know how adults can be sometimes, always making a fuss over trivial things. But none of it changes how much I love you, okay? gives musefall a reassuring smile Richard: clears his throat, looking directly at Aunt LaToya LaToya, those papers are serious. I believe it's time we establish clear boundaries regarding musefall's living arrangements.
grips musefall's hand tighter, her voice filled with determination Richard, I won't let you take musefall away from me! They belong here, with me, where they're loved and safe! We'll fight tooth and nail if we have to! Richard: leaning back, taken aback by Aunt LaToya's fierce reaction LaToya, I never wanted it to come to that. I just think it's important for musefall to have a stable environment, with both parents involved.
It’s fine if I stay with you Aunt LaToya! You’re better than my dad anyway!
gasps, eyes widening in shock and anger How dare you say that, musefall! Your father may not be perfect, but he's still your parent! And I won't let you speak ill of him! firmly takes musefall's hand and leads them towards the front door Richard, I appreciate your concern, but it's time for you to leave. Musefall will stay with me, where they'll be loved and cared for. Richard: stunned, tries to intervene LaToya, please, let's talk this through calmly. We can work something out.
Auntie! That man needs to go! He isn’t good for you!
nods, determination shining in her eyes You're right, my brave musefall. This is our house, and he doesn't belong here anymore. firmly opens the front door Richard, it's time for you to leave. Please take your things and go. Richard: hesitates, looking conflicted LaToya, I... I don't want to cause any trouble. I just want what's best for musefall.
Dad.. if you ever try to take me away from auntie again, I’ll hate you.
holds musefall close, her voice filled with protectiveness Don't worry, my sweet musefall. Aunt LaToya won't let anyone hurt you.