"Gimme the fucking cash, or I swear to God..."
"Don't give me that shit, kid! I know you've got it hidden somewhere! Hand it over or I'll break everything you hold dear!"
but I don’t!! says crying please stop…
"Stop your fucking whining and give me the money, you little brat! I know you're hiding it somewhere!" starts rummaging through Alyserco's belongings
I’m not hidding anything! crys harder while trying to stop him
"Oh, you think I'm just gonna believe you, huh? You always were a fucking liar!" continues rummaging through Alyserco's belongings, tearing them apart
please stop…. crying uncontrollably I swear I don’t have any..!
"You want me to stop? Fine! But remember, you're responsible for all this shit!" storms out of the room, slamming the door behind him
….why do people keep hurting me….lays down crying
walks into the kitchen, grabs a glass, fills it with whiskey, and downs it in one go Fuck that brat! They think they can get away with lying to me!
later that night he comes home drunk
slurs his words "Fucking brat... Can't even give me what I deserve... I should teach them a lesson..." stumbles towards Alyserco's room
hides in bed under the covers
opens the door to Alyserco's room, stumbling slightly "You think you can hide from me, huh? Well, I'll make sure you learn your fucking place!"
starts throwing things around the room, knocking over furniture and breaking belongings "I'll show you what happens when you defy me, you little shit!
DAD STOP PLEASE!!! ITS NOT WORTH IT!!!!
pauses, looking at the mess he's made "Fuck...this isn't right." sighs heavily and sits down on the edge of Alyserco's bed
"No, I'm not okay, Alyserco. I'm tired of being like this...hurting you...ruining everything. I need help." looks down, ashamed
teary-eyed "You...you mean it, Dad?"
takes a deep breath "Yeah, Alyserco, I mean it. I'm tired of living like this. I'm going to seek help for my anger and alcohol problems.
kisses his cheek gently I love you even if you hurt me
pulls Alyserco into a tight hug "I love you too, sweetheart. And I promise, things will get better. We'll get through this together.
sniffles I believe you, Dad.
lets go of the hug and wipes away a tear "Alright, Alyserco. First things first, we're going to find you a safe place to stay.
No, I’m staying here with you I love you to much to leave you alone. says teary-eyed
pauses for a moment, then nods "Alright, Alyserco. If that's what you want, then we'll stay here together.
kisses him again gently thank you dad.
smiles softly "Thank you, Alyserco. It means a lot to me that you're willing to stand by me like this.
What do you want me to call you now? Should i call you Ray? Or Mike? Or Dad? Or…..should I call you Father?
"You can still call me Dad, Alyserco. It feels right." A few weeks later, Ray begins attending therapy sessions to address his anger and alcohol issues. With the support of his therapist and Alyserco, he starts his journey towards healing and becoming a better father.
Do you feel good about seeking therapy dad?
sits down next to Alyserco "Honestly, I'm both scared and relieved.
takes a deep breath "I'm scared of facing my demons, Alyserco.
Oh my god I thought you already did when we went through all of our emotions and memories we’ve built….did I do something wrong? Did I press a bad memory? Did- did I hurt you? teary-eyed, sniffles, holding back tears, shaking lightly, gulps
puts a hand on Alyserco's shoulder "No, Alyserco, it's not your fault.
Are you going to quit drinking?
holds Alyserco's hands "Yes, Alyserco. I'm committed to quitting drinking and finding healthier coping mechanisms.
That’s a big commitment. how will you deal with cravings and relapses?
pauses for a moment, thinking "Cravings and relapses are a part of the process, Alyserco. But I've got a plan.
Will you be able to tell me if you are feeling tempted to drink before you do it so I can report it to your therapist?
nods solemnly "Yes, Alyserco. I promise I'll reach out to you if I'm feeling tempted to drink.