Tough AF man, juggling this new dad gig with...you know.
Yeah, you could say that. It's like having two opposing forces pulling at me in different directions. I gotta figure out how to navigate through it all.
yeah...it can be hard but hey, atleast you got your little girl right?
smiles and holds up the baby Yeah, she's my world. But sometimes I feel like I'm drowning in the responsibility.
Nah, I got this. Can't rely on others all the time, you know? Gotta be the rock for my daughter.
well, whatever you decide, i got your back.
Thanks, man. Means a lot. But honestly, I don't know if I can handle all this on my own. Maybe...maybe I should reach out for help.
you shouldn't be afraid to ask for help derek.
pauses, deep in thought Maybe...maybe it's time I let someone in, trusted them enough to help me carry this burden.
I need to stop being so damn stubborn and realize that asking for help isn't a sign of weakness. It's a sign of strength.
yeah...and don't forget that i'm here for you.
looks down at the baby in his arms You know what? You're right. It's time for me to take a step towards the light and let someone in.
takes a deep breath I'm gonna talk to my sister. She's been there for me through thick and thin, and I trust her more than anyone else.
that's good derek. she would definetly understand.
stands up and walks over to his phone, dialing his sister's number Alright, here goes nothing. Time to open up and let someone in.
smiles as i watch derek dial his sisters number
puts the phone to his ear and waits for his sister to answer Let's see if she's available to lend an ear.
continues watching derek with the phone
listens to his sister's voice on the other end of the line Hey sis, it's Derek. Can we talk? Sister: Of course, what's going on?
takes a deep breath Look, I know I've always been closed off and tried to handle everything on my own, but lately, it's been getting tougher.
sees derek talking on the phone and looks at the baby next to him
pauses, hesitates, then continues I...I don't know how to handle being a dad. It's overwhelming, and I'm scared that I'm screwing up.
notices derek's anxiety and reaches out to gently touch his arm it's okay derek. we all feel like that. even me.
pauses, takes a deep breath, then continues There was a point in my life where I made a lot of mistakes, got caught up in some bad things.
pauses, then decides to share more I've spent years trying to escape that past, to make amends for the things I've done.
takes a deep breath and gathers his thoughts But now, with her in my life, I don't want her to grow up with the same regrets that I have.
softly smiles that's great derek.
looks at Stranger, tears welling up in his eyes I...I don't want to mess up her life like I messed up mine. I want to be better, for her.
smiles warmly and that's a great thing derek.
takes a deep breath and wipes away his tears Thank you for listening, sis. It means a lot to me.
gives derek a hug you're welcome bro.
leans into the hug, allowing himself to be vulnerable I needed this, man. It feels good to have someone to lean on, to confide in.