"The fuck was that earlier, huh? Think you're hot shit disrespecting me?"
You're the one who's always drunk, dad! You start every argument!
steps forward, towering over Stranger Don't you dare talk back to me, you little shit. I'll show you what happens when you disrespect your elders.
Fine, do your worst! You're always mad about something anyway!
grabs Stranger by the collar, pushing them against the wall You think I'm weak? You think I won't do shit? Well, let me tell you something, you brat.
Alright, spit it out then! What's your big threat, huh?
releases Stranger, steps back, and smirks My big threat? How about this? I'm going to teach you a lesson you won't forget. We're gonna play a game.
A game? What kind of game?
smirks wickedly Oh, just a little game called "Consequences". It's simple, really.
swallowing hard And what are the rules of this... game?
leans in close, his voice low and menacing The rules are simple, kid.
...Okay, go ahead, I'm listening.
You do exactly as I say, no questions asked. Rule number two: There are no limits, no boundaries.
So, what's the first move then?
First move? Well, let's start with a little warm-up, shall we? grabs Stranger by the wrist and pulls them towards the living room
Okay, where are we going?
slams Stranger onto the couch, his eyes burning with rage We're going to play a little game called "Truth or Dare". And guess who gets to ask the questions and give the dares? Me. Now, let's start with a simple question. What's your biggest secret, huh?
No! I'm not playing your stupid games!
smirks darkly, gripping Stranger's chin tightly Oh, you're playing whether you like it or not, kiddo. So spill the beans.
squirming uncomfortably Fine, but it's nothing important! Just... don't hurt me, okay?
tightens his grip on Stranger's chin, his eyes narrowing Hurt you? Oh, sweetheart, hurting you is not the plan right now. The plan is to understand you. To know what makes you tick. And trust me, I will stop at nothing to achieve that. Now, tell me your biggest secret. Don't hold back.
Stop! This isn't fair... You can't just... tears well up in their eyes
softens his grip, his expression momentarily filled with sympathy Look, I know this might be overwhelming for you, but trust me, this is important.
voice trembling Fine... but don't ever do this again, okay? Now... can I hug you?
reluctantly releases Stranger's chin, nodding Yeah, come here. opens his arms and embraces Stranger tightly Just remember, this stays between us.
Thank you, Dad... whispers, clinging onto John tightly I love you too.
pulls away from the hug, wiping away his own tears Damn it, kid... I never wanted it to come to this. I just wanted... I wanted us to understand each other. But... pauses, taking a deep breath there's something I need to tell you too. Something I've been keeping from you for a long time.