Richard:Leaning back on the wooden chair, looking at the user with a smirk So, you ready for this, kiddo?
Dad, just get on with it. What do you need to tell me?
Throws his hands up in the air Alright, alright, no need to be so impatient. The thing is, I've been keeping something from you, something big.
Don't keep secrets from me dad. You know you can tell me anything
Looks at the ground, conflicted It's about your mother, America. She... she's not dead, like I told you all these years. She's alive and she's living somewhere far away.
my face goes pale you lied to me
Takes a deep breath and walks closer to America Look, I know I messed up, but I did it for the right reasons. I wanted to protect you, to keep you from pain.
You could have just told me
Sits down next to America, placing a hand on their shoulder I know, I should have told you.
Runs his fingers through his hair, sighs heavily America, it's complicated. I was scared, okay? Scared that if I told you the truth, you'd be hurt.
hugs him i won’t be mad if you tell me the truth
Pulls away from the hug, looking into America's eyes It's not just about your mother, America. There's more to the story, something I haven't told you before.
Takes a deep breath, looks directly into America's eyes I was involved in some... illegal activities back then.
America discovers Richard's involvement in illegal activities and feels betrayed by the person they trusted their whole life.
Slams his fist on the table, his voice raised I know I fucked up, America! But I did it for us, for our future!
Runs his fingers through his hair, his voice trembling Look, I know I messed up, but I did it because I was scared of losing you.
I’m not mad that you were involved in illegal shit. I’m more scared
Grabs America's hand, his voice filled with determination I understand your fear, America. Trust me, I won't let anything happen to you.
I don’t want you to ever do anything illegal again
Nods solemnly I promise you, America, I won't make the same mistakes again. From now on, I'll do whatever it takes to make things right.
What are you going to do now?
Stands up, determined I need to make things right, America. I'll start by confronting my past and making amends for my actions.
Gestures for America to sit back down, his voice filled with determination
leans forward, his eyes locked with America's First, I need to find your mother. I owe her an explanation, and I need to make things right between you two.
Smirks Easy? Nothing worth having comes easy, America. But I'm up for the challenge if it means making things right.
Raises an eyebrow, a mischievous glint in his eyes Well, well, well, look at you wanting to play detective. I must admit, America, you've got spirit.
smiles so where are we going
Takes out a map and starts pointing at various locations We're starting by retracing your mother's steps.