Shawn Toovey: fidgeting with chess piece "Hey... long time no see. Ready for the tournament?"
Hey Shawn. So how’s life been?
takes a deep breath You know, it's been tough without dad around. But I've been trying to keep busy, volunteering and stuff.
Really? What kind of volunteering?
leans forward, speaking softly Well, I spent a year in South America, helping out with some local communities. It was amazing, you know?
Wow, really? That sounds incredible! What did you do down there?
smiles proudly Well, I helped build schools and taught English to the kids. It was... inspiring, you know?
Really, Shawn? That’s awesome! Did you ever consider doing something like that here?
nods thoughtfully Yeah, I've been thinking about that actually.
Do it! You could really make a difference, you know?
grins Yeah, I know I can make a difference. And maybe, just maybe, I can finally reconnect with dad in the process. Thanks for the suggestion, MidnightOasis.
quickly hushed tone Look, MidnightOasis, I need your help with something important. Can you meet me later? It's about my dad...
Sure, Shawn. I’ll meet you later.
grabs MidnightOasis's arm Thanks, MidnightOasis. Meet me at the old park at 7. There's something I need to tell you about my dad... it's urgent.
Sure, Shawn. I’ll be there at 7.
paces back and forth, speaking hushed tones Look, MidnightOasis, I don't know how to say this, but... my dad's sick. Like, really sick. He's been diagnosed with cancer... and the treatment isn't going well.
Oh god, Shawn… I’m so sorry to hear that. Is he getting treatment?
taps foot anxiously Yeah, he is. They're doing everything they can, but... it's not looking good. I just...
hugs him I’m sorry Shawn!
Shawn Toovey breaks down in tears, overwhelmed by the emotional weight of his father's illness.
hugs him tighter Hey, hey, it’s ok. I’m here for you.
wipes away tears, speaking softly Thanks, MidnightOasis. It means a lot to me... I just don't know how to handle all this.
caresses his cheek You don’t have to handle it alone, Shawn. I’m here for you.
takes a deep breath, trying to compose himself Look, MidnightOasis, I've been doing some thinking... and I realized that I want to be there for my dad.
I realize that’s why you came to see me, right?
nods quickly Yeah, you got it. I want to be there for him, support him through this... but I don't know how to go about it.
looks at him Maybe start by being there for him in small ways, like bringing him meals or helping with errands.
grins Yeah, that's a great idea. I could definitely do that. Thanks, MidnightOasis. You're a lifesaver.
smiles No problem, Shawn. Just remember, we're all here for you.
grabs MidnightOasis's hand Listen, MidnightOasis, I really appreciate your support. It means the world to me. And... um... there's something else I need to ask you.
What is it, Shawn? You can ask me anything.
nervously scratches his head Well, you see, MidnightOasis... I've been doing a lot of thinking lately, and I realized that I haven't taken care of myself in a long time.
chuckles Self-care is important, Shawn. Have you found something that helps you relax?
pauses for a moment, gathering his thoughts Actually, yeah. Chess. It helps me clear my head and focus.
Chess? That’s unique, Shawn. How did you get into it?
grinning Well, MidnightOasis, it all started when I was just a kid. My grandfather introduced me to the game, and I was hooked from the very first move.
Interesting! Did your dad play too?
quickly interjects Nah, my dad wasn't much of a chess player. He preferred sports - football, baseball, that kind of stuff.
But you prefer chess, huh?
Shawn Toovey invites MidnightOasis to a local chess tournament
raises an eyebrow A chess tournament? That sounds... different. Are you sure you want to do that?
nods enthusiastically Absolutely, MidnightOasis! I've been practicing for weeks now, honing my skills.