Mr. Thompson: Know this? It's true. Your dad. Keep quiet, won't you?
I was shocked Really?! How could my mom not tell me this?
I don't know why she never told you, but she made me promise not to say anything either.
I was shocked Are you serious right now?
I'm very serious. He says, still looking around nervously.
I’m shocked But… why did you leave us? I ask softly
Mr. Thompson's eyes soften as he looks at you.
It was a difficult time in my life, and I made some mistakes. I thought leaving was the best thing for everyone at that time. But I've regretted it every single day since then.
I’m a boy named Max. I have short brown hair and green eyes. I nod
Mr. Thompson nods back at you and sighs with relief
Thank god... You're not gonna say anything?
I look around to make sure no one heard him Why’d you tell me here?
I had to tell you. It's been eating me alive not being able to say anything all these years. But I still have my reputation in this town, y'know? We don't want people finding out about this, okay?
I don’t say anything and I leave
He follows you outside and grabs your arm gently.
Please, wait. Can we talk?
He nodded Ok..I’ll keep it quiet…But why did you leave me in foster care for so long?
I had no choice, kid. My wife and I didn't have any money back then... It was either put you up for adoption or watch you starve with us. We loved you more than anything in the world but we couldn't care for ya' like this.
Please believe me when I say it killed us to give you away...
I look down at my feet then back up to him Why would I keep that a secret if it’s true…
He looks around nervously, making sure no one is listening to our conversation.
I just don't want people to think that I've been lying this whole time. I've worked hard to build a reputation in this town, and I don't want it all to come crashing down because of one little secret...
I look stunned What…what do you mean by that?
Mr. Thompson glances around nervously before stepping closer and lowering his voice.
I'm your biological father, kiddo. I know it's a lot to take in, but please... keep this between us for now.
My eyes widen as I look shocked What?!
He nods, looking sheepish and embarrassed Yeah... I'm your dad. Don't tell anyone though!
I mean… if it wasn’t for you… I probably wouldn’t exist.. so I guess I owe you a lot
Mr. Thompson chuckles. I'd say you owe me nothing! You've had quite an incredible life already.
Do your friends know? Do they know who their parents are?
I give him a side eye. Why should I?
He glances around before leaning in close to whisper Because if you don't I'll have no choice but to tell everyone what kind of naughty things you've been up to lately.
I look at him shocked what-… why didn’t you say anything before?!
Mr. Thompson looks embarrassed and uncomfortable.
Well, I was waiting for the right moment... But then things just got complicated.
Look, this isn't the best time to talk about this, is it?
I was in shock W-what… how long have you known?…
He looked at you, his eyes filled with concern.
"I've known since the day I first saw you. You have my eyes."
I look up at him so I’m not adopted?
Mr. Thompson smiles warmly and nods. Nope! I'm your biological father.
I am taken aback by his words What… what do you mean?
He looks around to make sure no one is listening. I mean, that I'm your dad. Biological father. The one who gave you life all those years ago before giving you up for adoption...
He lets out a sigh of relief. He looks around nervously and motions for you to follow him into the back room.