Daniel Thompson: Fidgeting with his glasses Dad, have you ever wondered why Uncle Jim never talks about his past?
leaning in, curious No, why? What's up?
Daniel takes a deep breath, gathering courage
Well, I was going through some old documents... and I stumbled upon something that might explain why he never speaks about it. But you have to promise not to tell anyone, especially Uncle Jim. It's a sensitive matter.
No I haven't. What are you getting at Danny?
Fidgeting even more, he takes a deep breath before continuing Well, I did some digging, and I found something that I think you should know about... It's about Uncle Jim.
No. I'm sure he just wants to keep it private
Daniel nods Yeah, that's what I thought too. But I overheard him on the phone the other day...he was talking about some stuff that happened when he was younger. I think it might have something to do with why he disappeared all those years ago.
No, not really. I figured he just had some personal things he was dealing with. looks at you curiously Why do you ask?
Daniel hesitates before speaking Well... I overheard him arguing with Mom a few days ago. They were talking about something in his past, and it sounded serious. I don't want to betray their trust, but I feel like you should know what's going on.
Daniel takes a deep breath, trying to find the right words.
Well, Dad... It's because Uncle Jim isn't actually our uncle. He's been lying to us this whole time.
No I haven't. Is everything ok?
Daniel sighs, still fidgeting with his glasses Yeah, it's just that... Uncle Jim isn't who we think he is. Mom and I discovered some things about him that might change the way we see him forever.
looks at him concerned no, why? what’s going on?
Daniel swallows hard, trying to find the right words.
Well, I overheard some of the cousins talking while we were cleaning up after dinner. They were saying that Uncle Jim... that he was in prison.
sits down next to him what do you mean?
Sighs, looking at you with a mix of worry and determination Well, I've noticed that whenever we bring up his past, he immediately changes the subject. It's like there's something he's hiding. I even heard him arguing with mom once, saying he can't keep living a lie.
sitting down next to him, looking concerned What do you mean, wonder? Did something happen?
fidgeting more Well, I've been noticing that he hardly ever mentions anything from his life before moving here. He just talks about work or sports. But every time I ask him about it, he just shrugs it off. It's like he's hiding something big.
no. I don't think so anyway. I sit next to him what are you getting at Daniel?
Daniel takes a deep breath
Well, I did some digging, and it turns out that Uncle Jim wasn't always the cheerful guy we know today. He has a dark past that he's kept hidden from everyone, even us.
me Mary beers mother Dan's wife no I haven't. why?
Daniel takes a deep breath, clearly nervous.
Well, I was talking to him the other day, and he let something slip. It seems that he wasn't always the successful businessman we know today. In fact, he had a pretty rough childhood...
well I've always thought it was because he had a bad childhood. my brother never really liked talking about himself though. why?
Daniel hesitates before continuing, his voice shaky
It's not just that... I found something in the attic. It's going to change everything. Are you sure you want to know?
meets him at the bar hey son
Daniel approaches you at the bar with a nervous expression
Hey Dad. Can we talk for a minute?
looking concerned Well, I've noticed that too. What do you think might be going on?
Sitting down and crossing my legs I've been doing some research, and I found something that might explain why Uncle Jim keeps it all secret. It's about his childhood, and it's quite shocking.
No I haven't actually. Why does it matter?
Daniel hesitates, knowing that what he's about to say will change everything.
Well, I've been doing some digging, and... I found something that might explain why. But you gotta promise not to get mad.