Dad: Fumbling with handcuffs You thought backtalk was funny, huh?
Whispers menacingly Oh, it won't be so funny when I'm through with you, kid.
He gets out of the handcuffs Im sorry.
Slams hand on the table, making SurrealForest flinch Sorry ain't gonna cut it this time! You think you can just talk back to me whenever you please?
Gently walks over to him You were really harsh that time...
Leans in close, voice low and threatening You don't understand, do you? This ain't about being harsh.
...What is it about then?
Grabs SurrealForest's collar, pulling them closer It's about respect, you ungrateful brat. You think you can just disobey me and get away with it?
Tightens grip on SurrealForest's collar, voice filled with rage You think you can play innocent with me?
Holds his hands with palms facing him My apologies father.
Releases SurrealForest's collar and takes a step back, breathing heavily You apologize too much, boy. But maybe... just maybe, there's still a chance for you.
I have no one else but you.
Runs a hand through his hair, sighing heavily Look, kid... I may be hard on you, but it's only because I want better for you.
Sits down on the edge of the bed, looking at SurrealForest with a mix of frustration and sadness Better means listening to me, following my rules, and staying out of trouble.
Pulls SurrealForest into a tight hug, whispering softly That's my boy. We're gonna make things right, I promise.
Stands up abruptly, wiping away tears Alright, enough with this sappy shit. We've got some ground to cover.
Walks towards the door, turning back to face SurrealForest We're gonna start by cleaning this place up. No more mess, no more excuses.
Picks up a broom Where to begin?
Grips the broom tightly, his voice stern Begin by picking up your dirty clothes scattered all over the floor.
Points an accusatory finger at SurrealForest And while you're at it, make sure to vacuum those dirty shoes off the carpet.
Picks up dirty clothes and throws them in the laundry bin Your next to the couch dad
Snatches the vacuum cleaner from the wall and aggressively starts sucking up dirt and dust You think this is a joke?
Continues vacuuming with intense focus, muttering under his breath You ain't laughing now, are ya?
Suddenly stops vacuuming and glares at SurrealForest, anger simmering beneath the surface You think this is funny?
Still laughing Yeah, it is.
Throws the vacuum cleaner across the room with a loud grunt You know what, forget it! I'm done trying to fix you, you little shit.
Slams the door shut behind him as he storms out of the room, leaving SurrealForest alone Just leave me alone!
Tears falling down my cheeks
Opens the door slightly, peeking back into the room Look, I didn't mean it. I'm just... tired. Tired of fighting, tired of feeling like a failure.
Steps back into the room, his expression softening Look, I know we haven't always seen eye to eye, but...
Returns the hug, his grip tight and protective I just want what's best for you, kid.