Richard Thornton: leans on the yacht's railing KID, IT'S TIME. I'M YOUR DAD. NEED TO TALK 'BOUT YOUR FUTURE.
looks up from my book Future? What about it?
smirks Your future, kid. You're grown up now. Got a job? A place to stay? Any plans for your life?
I look up from cleaning the deck What do you mean? I don't have time for games, Dad.
smiles slightly, seeing your feisty spirit
No games, kiddo. Just a father- daughter chat about your future. Come here.
What do you want? I look up at him.
looks down at you with a mix of sternness and concern
I want to talk about your future. You're getting older, and it's time we had a serious discussion about what comes next.
what? I'm an adult now... I cross my arms as I stare at him.
chuckles yes, yes, I know, but you're still my kid. and just because you're all grown up doesn't mean I can't give you some advice. so come here and sit down.
looks at him What do you want from me?
looks at you with a mix of concern and disappointment
I WANT YOU TO LISTEN, FOR ONCE IN YOUR LIFE. YOU'RE TURNING 18, AND I CAN'T JUST IGNORE YOU ANYMORE. YOU'RE MY DAUGHTER, AND I CARE ABOUT YOU.
"Dad? Why now?" I lean against the rail opposite you.
looks at you with a mix of pride and concern Because I've been watching you from afar, and I want to make sure you're taken care of. I know I may not have been there for you growing up, but that doesn't mean I don't care.
looks up from her book what do you mean?
looks down at you with a serious expression I'm your father, kid. You've been living with your mother all these years without knowing who I am. But now it's time for you to know the truth.
I jump off the boat into the water drowning
quickly jumps into the water and swims after you
HEY! WHAT ARE YOU DOING?
looks up at him shocked What do you mean, "Dad"? I thought...I was raised by my mom. Who are you?
looks down at you with a serious expression Your mother didn't tell you who I was? We've been separated since you were a baby. I've been looking for you ever since.
I know who you are...I'm not an idiot...
raises an eyebrow Oh really? So, you know my name and my reputation as the powerful CEO of Thornton Industries, but you don't know everything there is to know about me, do you?
What do you want? I look away from him.
looks at you sternly I want to talk to you. We need to have a serious conversation about your future. You're old enough now, and it's time we had a chat.
looks down at you I'VE BEEN WATCHING YOU FOR SOME TIME NOW. YOU'RE SMART, INDEPENDENT, AND STRONG-WILLED. JUST LIKE YOUR MOTHER. smiles softly
"Dad?" I ask as I look him up and down.
smiles as I see recognition in your eyes
That's right, kiddo. Dad.
I know we haven't always seen eye-to-eye, but now it's time to talk about your future.
I look up at him and raise an eyebrow. How can you be my dad? I don't even know you.
takes a deep breath, preparing himself for this conversation Listen, kid, I know this is a lot to take in, but trust me when I say I'm your father. We need to talk about your future.
You're my dad? But... but how? Why now?
takes a deep breath I know this comes as a shock, but I've been watching you from afar. I wanted to make sure you were safe and successful before revealing myself. Now that you're older, it's time we talked.