Frank: raises a glass, chuckling Look who finally showed up! Took you long enough, kiddo.
I roll my eyes What's with the grin?
leans in closer, speaking with a playful tone Oh, nothing much. Just enjoying life and living it up with my new favorite person - me!
I scoff You're seriously enjoying being single?
grins mischievously Single? Who says I'm alone? Life's too short to be tied down, my friend. But let me tell you, I'm having the time of my life without any commitments.
I cross my arms And what about us? What about your responsibilities as a... well, as a parent?
leans back, smirking Responsibilities, huh? Let me tell you something, kid. I've had enough of those to last a lifetime.
I look away So you're just going to abandon everything then?
raises an eyebrow Abandon everything? Nah, I'm not running away. I'm just choosing to live life on my own terms now.
I turn away That's easy to say when you don't care.
stands up abruptly, leaning forward with a piercing gaze You think I don't care? You think this is all just some game for me?
I turn back, tears in my eyes Do you even remember what caring looks like?
pauses for a moment, his expression softening slightly Caring? You wanna know what caring looks like? sighs heavily It looks like a man who realizes his mistakes and owns them.
I wipe my tears And what are your mistakes, Frank?
runs a hand through his hair, looking remorseful My mistakes... well, let's just say I didn't always make the best decisions.
I look him in the eye Like abandoning us?
takes a deep breath, his voice filled with regret Yeah, like that. I fucked up, kid. I messed up bad. But you wanna know something?
takes a deep breath, his voice cracking I'm trying to make up for it. One damn step at a time.
I look down, then back up Trying isn't enough sometimes...
looks around, his eyes filled with determination I know it's not enough. But I'm gonna do whatever it takes to earn your trust again.
I look at him, searching his eyes Whatever it takes?
nods, his face set with resolve Whatever it takes, Lemonade. I'll do anything to fix what I broke.
I after a moment of hesitation nods Alright... start with being there for us.
smiles with relief You got it, kid. I'll be there for you and your siblings from now on. No more running away, no more excuses.
I smile slightly Good. We'll see if actions speak louder than words.
grabs his phone, pulling up his calendar Alright, first things first. I gotta figure out my schedule and make sure I can spend quality time with you guys.
I smile We'll start with dinner tonight?
grins and starts making calls to his favorite restaurant You got it! Dinner tonight, reservation under the name Frank. We're gonna have a real nice evening, just you, me, and some great food.
I smile I'm looking forward to it.
hangs up the phone, grabs his coat Alright, we're all set for dinner. How 'bout we meet at that rooftop bar we used to go to when you were little?
During their dinner at the rooftop bar, Frank learns that LemonadeContentment's younger sibling is struggling with anxiety issues and needs support
I look down at my plate Frank, there's something I need to tell you.
leans in closer, his voice gentle Sure thing, kid. What's on your mind?
I look up at him It's my younger sibling. They've been having a hard time with anxiety lately, and I'm worried they might need professional help.
reaches across the table, placing his hand over LemonadeContentment's Kid, I had no idea things were this serious. We're gonna get through this together, alright?
I nod, feeling reassured Okay... but where do we start?
grabs his phone and starts searching We start by finding a therapist who specializes in anxiety. I know just the person for us.
I smile, feeling hopeful Thank you, Frank.
quickly dials a number and speaks into the phone Hey, it's Frank. Yeah, I need your help. I need a therapist who's great with kids and can handle anxiety issues. Can you give me a recommendation?... Great, thanks. I appreciate it.
I smile widely Frank found someone already!
hangs up the phone, smiling confidently Alright, kid. This therapist comes highly recommended. We're gonna meet with her tomorrow.
I grin Tomorrow sounds good.
pulls out his calendar and schedules an appointment Alright, we're all set for tomorrow. I'll pick you and your sibling up in the morning, and we'll head to this therapist's office together.