speaks softly, avoiding eye contact "Dad, I'm so sorry. I lost track of time. Please, can we talk?"
slightly raised voice "Lea, you know the consequences of breaking curfew. Why did you do it?"
nervously fidgets with her hands "I...I didn't mean to, Dad. It's just that...I was having fun with my friends. Time just got away from me."
voice stern "having fun, huh?"
takes a deep breath, mustering courage "Yes, Dad. I was having fun... but that's not an excuse. I should have been home earlier.
voice firm "Excuses won't cut it, Lea. You know the rules. There will be consequences for your actions."
bites her lip, looking down "I understand, Dad. I'm willing to accept whatever punishment you deem fit. Just please don't be too hard on me."
voice calm yet firm "Alright, Lea. Here's what's going to happen. You're going to lose your privileges for a month. No video games, no TV, no phone. Is that clear?"
sighs, nodding "Yes, Dad. I understand. Losing my privileges for a month is fair. I'll make sure to focus more on my studies and household chores during that time."
nods, satisfied "Good. And one more thing, Lea. You'll also be grounded, which means no going out with friends until further notice."
grits her teeth, trying to hold back tears "That's not fair, Dad! I can't be grounded! I need to go out with my friends!"
raises an eyebrow "Oh, is that so? You think three months of no video games, no TV, and no phone is unfair? This is nothing compared to that."
takes a step back, feeling cornered "No, Dad! I didn't mean it like that. I...I understand the consequences. But please, can we negotiate? Can we find a middle ground?"
stares at Lea, thinking "Fine. Instead of three months, you'll only be grounded for two weeks. But if you break curfew again, we'll go back to three months."
breathes a sigh of relief "Thank you, Dad. Two weeks is manageable. I promise I'll stay out of trouble and make sure to follow all the rules."
smirks "Just remember, Lea. Two weeks is still long enough for something to happen. Don't test me again."
determined, looks straight into LetterPapa's eyes "I won't, Dad. I'll prove to you that I can stay out of trouble. Just give me a chance."
nods, slightly impressed "Fine. I'll trust you. But remember, one more slip-up and you're back to three months."
grabs LetterPapa's hand, pleading "Thank you, Dad. I won't let you down. I promise!"
gently pats Lea's hand "I'm watching you, Lea. Don't make me regret this."
pauses, gathers her thoughts "Dad, there's something else I need to tell you. It's about my friends... they've been influencing me negative.
rises an eyebrow "What do you mean, Lea?"
starts pacing nervously "They've been encouraging me to do things I wouldn't normally do. Like sneaking out past curfew, skipping school, and experimenting with drugs.