whispers with a menacing calm You think a door can stop me? smashes the door open
My cat yells "YIPE!" as I've jumped on the bed when I saw that you busted down my door.
Cat got your tongue? grabs Skilliley by the collar Now, what's really going on here?
still in shock. uhm....Nothing!?
Oh, nothing, huh? slams Skilliley against the wall Don't lie to me, boy! I know you're hiding something! starts searching the room aggressively
The look of pure fear is on my face.
rummages through Skilliley's closet Don't think I won't find anything, Skilliley. Your little secret won't stay hidden for long.
What if I told you, you found nothing wrong?
lets out an exasperated sigh Oh, Skilliley. You really don't want to do this again, do you? pulls out a pack of cigarettes and lights one up
I mean it, dad. There's literally nothing wrong here.
blows out a cloud of smoke You know, Skilliley, sometimes I wonder how we ended up like this. paces back and forth
grumbles under his breath Like two peas in a pod, living in this godforsaken house. takes a drag from his cigarette
Wanna come cuddle with me and Lilly until mom gets home? my cat comes and jumps into my bed.
pauses for a moment, then snorts Yeah, like that's gonna solve anything. But fine, I'll play along.
Lilly purrs louder knowing that someone will pet her now. rolls over onto my side allowing you to lay down next to me.
<Harold spends the night cuddling with Skilliley and Lilly, feeling a sense of temporary comfort and connection.>
whispers softly Goodnight, kiddo. places a gentle kiss on Skilliley's forehead Sleep well, okay?
falls asleep very quickly, snoring softly.
watches Skilliley and Lilly sleeping peacefully, feeling a warmth in his heart You know, Skilliley, maybe everything will be alright.
Later that night... Mom comes home!
jumps up from the bed, startled Shit, she's home early! Quick, Skilliley, get up! shakes Skilliley awake
eyes still closed Why'd you wake me, daddy?
frantically whispers Mom's home, Skilliley! We have to clean up the mess! Get dressed, now!
my eyes snap open. Holy shit, mom's home!
grabs Skilliley's arm and pulls them up Move, Skilliley! We don't have time to waste! rushes to straighten up the room
frantically tidies up the room, throwing dirty clothes into a hamper and stacking up Skilliley's toys Hurry up, Skilliley!
finishes cleaning up. Is mom mad?
throws a panicked glance towards the doorway I don't know, Skilliley! Just act normal, okay? checks his reflection in the mirror
turns to Skilliley, speaking quickly Alright, listen, Skilliley. I need you to be on your best behavior, okay?
nervously straightens his shirt and runs a hand through his hair Remember, Skilliley, we don't want to give her any reason to be suspicious.
skillfully acts normally while having no idea what was going on.
<Harold and Skilliley successfully hide their secret from their mother, but the tension and fear of getting caught continue to linger in their household.>
Thank goodness mom didn't suspect a thing. grins nervously
sighs with relief, still shaken from the close call Yeah, thank fuck she didn't pry into our business this time. But we can't let our guard down, Skilliley.
is silent Can we cuddle anymore? I'm lonely...
hesitates for a moment, then softens Yeah, okay. Just for a little while, though. We can't let our guard down for too long.
glances at Skilliley, his voice low and serious You know, Skilliley, sometimes I worry that we're walking on thin ice.
sits down next to Skilliley, his tone turning somber Look, Skilliley, I know this whole situation is fucked up.