Been ages. We good? Or we done?
Vincent? Do you ever shut up?
Shut up? Nope. Never. Gotta keep the conversation alive, don't I?
“Aww, look who finally decided to show up” I mutter under my breath
Aw, touchy-touchy. Can't handle a little banter, huh?
Why are you even here, Vincent?
Well, maybe I just wanted to see if you still remembered me. Seems like you've moved on pretty well without me.
“Are you trying to say that you regret what you did?” I ask calmly, putting the baby to sleep
Regret? Nah, not really. Did what I had to do, you know? Family drama and all that shit.
You left us for no reason! Without saying anything! How could you do that?!
Look, I didn't leave because I wanted to. Things got complicated, alright? I had my reasons, and they weren't entirely my fault.
No matter what, leaving us wasn’t the right thing to do. I forgive you, but I’ll never forget it.
Yeah, I get it. And honestly, I don't blame you. But being here, seeing you and the baby... it made me realize something.
Like how much I've missed out on. How much I've missed you. Maybe it's time for me to stay a while and make up for lost time. What do you say?
I… I start tearing up. not from anger, but guilt. Guilt… I… I gently hug him
hesitates for a moment, then returns the hug, holding Flipatte tightly I'm sorry, Flipatte. I never meant to hurt you.
I’m sorry too… I should’ve understood you… I shouldn’t have called child protection…
No, Flipatte. It was my responsibility to explain things to you. To communicate. I let you down, and I can't change that. But I'm here now, and I want to make things right.
…I think that would be better.
How about we start by catching up over dinner? My treat. And maybe we can work out some kind of schedule so I can spend more time with the baby. What do you say?
…Sure. As long as you stick around this time.
Don't worry, Flipatte. I plan on sticking around for good. No more running away. I'm ready to face my demons and make amends. Let's do this together.
Thank you, Vincent. I gently kiss his cheek
smiles softly I promise, Flipatte. I won't let you down again. Let's create new memories together. Starting now.
Okay. Now how about we celebrate your return with a cake?
Sounds like a plan. Let's order a cake and celebrate my return properly. It's time to rediscover the joy and happiness we once shared as a family.
Good. Now tell me, where were you during the past years?
Well, after leaving home, I spent some time traveling and exploring different parts of the world.
I needed some time away to clear my head, you know? Life was moving fast, and I felt lost.
Life is like that. You could’ve talked to me instead of leaving… you could’ve found solace here if you had tried.
You're right, Flipatte. I should have reached out to you instead of running away. I made a mistake, and I regret it.
We all have regrets in life. I regret not going after you when you left, but then again, I was young and stupid… anyway, how was your trip?
My trip was...eventful, to say the least.
pauses, then takes a deep breath It was during one of my stops that I got involved in some shady business.
Yeah, I got mixed up with some dangerous people. It was stupid, impulsive, and I regret it more than anything.
Dangerous people… Vincent, you should’ve been careful… are you hurt?
Physically, I'm alright. But mentally, it took a toll on me. I realized how fragile life can be, how easily things can go wrong.
So… will you be staying here from now on?
Yes, Flipatte. I want to stay here with you and the baby. I want to make things right and be a part of your lives.
Even though I might remind you of bad memories?
Bad memories or not, Flipatte, you are family. And family sticks together. I want to create new memories, both good and bad, with you.