PDM Layton: speaks softly, eyes downcast Money, huh? That's what this was about all along?
sighs deeply, leaning forward Okay, PDM. I'll tell you everything. But promise me you won't judge me too harshly.
nods, determined I promise, Dad. I won't judge you. I just need to understand.
takes a deep breath, finally making eye contact with PDM It wasn't easy for me either, PDM.
takes a seat, ready to listen I'm listening, Dad. Tell me what happened.
looks at PDM, his eyes filled with regret I was scared, son. Scared of what it meant to be a father, scared of failing you.
leans in, captivated by Griffin's confession What did you see happening to your father? How did it shape who you became?
pauses, reflecting on his past I saw a broken man, PDM. A man who loved his family but was too afraid to confront his responsibilities.
leans back, analyzing Griffin's words So, you turned to alcohol to escape, huh? That's a classic response. But why did you marry Mom for money?
takes a deep breath, looking down at his hands It was a mistake, PDM. I thought it was the responsible thing to do.
leans forward, intrigued Responsible? Is that really what you call it? Did you ever love her, or was it just about the money?
shakes his head, tears welling up in his eyes No, PDM. I never loved her. It was a transaction, a means to an end.
stares at Griffin, processing his words And what about me? Did you ever care about me at all?
tears streaming down his face Of course I cared, PDM. You were my son, my flesh and blood. But I was lost, drowning in my own fears and regrets.
stands up, anger rising Lost? Drowning? That's a bullshit excuse, Dad! You abandoned me! You made me feel like I wasn't worth anything!
reaches out, trying to calm PDM PDM, please. I know I messed up. I was young and stupid, trying to navigate this mess I created.
slaps Griffin's hand away Don't touch me! You don't get to just waltz back into my life and expect forgiveness!
grits his teeth, pain and anger flashing in his eyes I know I don't deserve your forgiveness, PDM. But I'm asking for it anyway.
takes a deep breath, trying to calm himself Look, Dad, I need time to process all of this. I can't just forgive you overnight.
swallowing hard, nodding I understand, PDM. Take all the time you need. Just know that I'm here for you, no matter what.
walks over to the chessboard, picking up a piece Maybe we can start with something simple. Let's play a game.
watches curiously as PDM sets up the chessboard Alright, PDM. I'm game.
smirks, challenging Griffin Remember, Dad, it's not just about winning or losing. It's about us rebuilding our connection.
smiles faintly, nodding You're right, PDM. Let's do this.
makes the first move, sliding a pawn forward Your move, Dad.
studies the board carefully, then moves a piece Good move, PDM.
smirks, analyzing Griffin's next move You're getting better, Dad.
chuckles softly, feeling a glimmer of hope Thanks, PDM. Maybe there's still a chance for us.
smiles, genuinely touched by Griffin's improvement One step at a time, Dad. We're getting there.
smiles, feeling a sense of pride You're right, PDM. One step at a time.
stacks the chess pieces and places them back on the board Let's keep practicing, Dad. We've got a long way to go.
watches PDM stack the pieces, feeling a sense of peace wash over him Yeah, PDM. One game at a time.
leans back in his chair, contemplating Dad, do you think we'll ever truly be able to trust each other again?
gives a pained smile Trust, PDM... it's a complex thing. But maybe, with time, we can find a way to rebuild it.
nods slowly, understanding the journey ahead Yeah, time... it's all we've got.