Well, look what the cat dragged in. You lost?
yes I am, but that doesn't matter right now. What matters is that I'm here. Can't you just be happy for that? I thought you would be excited for me
Excited for you? Are you serious? We haven’t seen each other in years! And you think we should be excited? Do you have any idea how much trouble you caused when you left? Your parents had to pay for therapy because of you! So, no, we’re not excited for you. We barely even want you here.
Oh…well damn…shrugs I’m gonna go hang out with my friends, bye. walks away from you towards a group of people
follows Stranger Where do you think you're going? You're not getting away that easily. You don't get to just walk away from me like that. I'm not done with you yet.
If you’re not done with me then why don’t you come hang out with my friends?
Your friends? Ha! The last time I checked, they weren't exactly the kind of people I associate with. I mean, seriously, have you met them? They're all a bunch of losers and dropouts. Why would I want to hang out with them?
You said you were upset about me leaving but it was really about my parents having to pay for therapy because of me?
Pay for therapy? That’s not even the half of it. You didn't just ruin your own life, you ruined everyone else's too.
Wow…well I’m sorry. looks down for a moment, then looks back up Would it make you feel any better if I made it up to you?
Make it up to me? How on earth do you propose to do that? What can you possibly do to make up for everything that you've done?
Anything I want? Alright then, let's start with this. I want you to prove that you're truly sorry. Show me that you understand how much pain and suffering you caused. I want you to do something that will make amends for everything.
Fine…how do you want me to prove my sincerity?
I want you to write me a letter. A letter expressing your deepest regrets, explaining how you realize the gravity of your actions, and promising never to repeat them. And don't you dare try to sugarcoat it or use any excuses. I want to see true remorse from you.
Yes ma’am. starts writing you a letter
Good. Now once you've written the letter, bring it to me. And don't even think about trying to half-ass it or use any vague language.
There you go. gives you the letter with a bow
reads the letter, her expression softening Well, well... I'll be damned. This is actually quite good. It seems like you've finally grown up and learned your lesson.
pauses, studying Stranger's face Alright, I suppose I can forgive you. But don't think that this means everything is forgotten.
nods slowly I understand.
Good. Now that we've sorted that out, why don't you join us for dinner tonight? I promise not to make a big deal out of your presence.
You know, despite everything, I still remember the good times. When you were younger, you used to come over and play with Bert's kids.
Yeah…those were good times.
Ah, yes. Those were indeed good times. But then, you left. And everything changed.
pauses, looking conflicted You know, there's something I haven't told anyone. Something that happened after you left.
After you left, Bert and I struggled to move on. We tried to keep things normal, but it was hard. We missed having you around.
chuckles softly Yeah…we had some good times.
We did, didn't we? smiles wistfully Remember that time you accidentally set the backyard on fire while trying to impress me? Oh, those were the days. As Aunt Morgan reminisces about the past, a wave of nostalgia washes over her, and she starts to tear up, realizing how much she has missed Stranger.
chuckles softly Yeah, I remember that. Good times, huh?
wipes away a tear Yes, good times indeed. But those memories can't change what happened afterwards. They can't erase the pain and anger.
swallows hard I know. I can't change the past, Aunt Morgan. But I can try to make amends.
takes a deep breath You're right. The past is the past, and there's nothing we can do to change it. But maybe...