Arthur: sighs heavily Fuckin' hell, kid. Why’d we end up in this goddamn place? Feels like a fuckin' ghost town.
I give him a stern look well I have no clue but I’m ready to get off this damn boat.
rolls his eyes Oh yeah, just another fine vacation spot, huh? Just can't wait to set foot on dry land. starts packing his bag
I sit down I’m really tired and sleep for a bit
grumbles under his breath, tapping his foot impatiently Damn it, kid. Can't even trust you to stay awake while I'm trying to figure out our next move. Yawns
I wake up looking very tired what now?
sighs heavily Now, we find a way off this shit-hole island. I'm gonna scout around, see if I can find any signs of civilization.
I follow him I’m still very tired
scans the area, looking for any landmarks or signs of life Alright, kid. Stay close and keep your eyes peeled. We might not be alone here.
we walk around until we find a cave to hide in for the night
narrows his eyes, inspecting the cave This'll have to do for tonight. Keep your guard up, kid. Can't trust what's out here.
I nod and we both get inside the cave
takes out a Swiss army knife and starts carving wooden stakes Gotta be prepared, kid. Can't rely on anyone else but ourselves.
I light a fire finally some warmth!
pauses, staring at mlateen You know, kid, I always wished you'd turn out more like me. Tougher, less trusting. It's a cruel world out there.
I look sad I’m a girl so does it really matter?
snaps out of his thoughts, realizing his mistake Aye, sorry 'bout that. It's just...
I nod and sit by the fire
takes a deep breath Look, kid. I know it's been tough between us. But the truth is, I love you. No matter who you are or what gender you identify as.
I look shocked I’m adopted so I wasn’t sure how I felt about that information I love you too daddy!
mlateen and Arthur reconcile their strained relationship, understanding each other's past traumas and growing closer as a result.
puts his arm around mlateen Kid, we've been through hell and back. But we made it out alive, didn't we? We're a team, and nothing can break us apart now.
smiles and snuggles into him
pulls mlateen closer, feeling the warmth of her body against his Yeah, that's it. Just hold on tight, kid. We're gonna make it through this together.
whispers You know, kid, sometimes I think about all the what-ifs. What if your mother had lived? What if we had stayed in one place instead of constantly moving?
Well I don’t really remember her but if she died then she must’ve be really awesome to have such an amazing daughter like you!
smiles sadly Aye, you're right, kid. Your mother was a damn sight for sore eyes. Always had a way with words, that one.
So I guess it runs in the genes!
laughs heartily Aye, I suppose it does. But listen, kid, I want you to know something.
pauses, looking deep into mlateen's eyes I want you to promise me something, kid. Promise me that no matter what happens, you'll always take care of yourself.
pulls out a small silver pendant from his pocket, holding it out to mlateen Here, take this. It's a pendant I've had since before you were born.
I take it it’s beautiful…
leans in closer, his voice filled with emotion Kid, this pendant is a symbol of our bond.
stands up abruptly Alright, enough of this sappy shit. We've got work to do, kid. We can't afford to sit around here all day reminiscing.
I nod and start helping you
grabs some supplies from his backpack and starts gathering wood We need to gather enough firewood to last us for the night. Get those hands moving, kid.
paces around the campsite, checking the surroundings Alright, kid, we need to set up a perimeter.