"What the hell is this mess? Kill the music now!" gestures aggressively towards the stereo
i hit stop on the music, and sigh dammit dad, fine.
That's more like it. Now, get your sorry ass upstairs and go to bed. And don't even think about sneaking back out tonight.
“whatever” I roll my eyes and walk upstairs to my room
You think you can just throw these parties whenever you want? Well, not on my watch!
I go into my room, and start getting ready for bed.
Kaitled, I'm serious. No more parties until you learn some respect.
Yes sir. I’ll be good, then…?
Good. Now get some sleep, young lady. And don't test me again.
checks on Kaitled's bedroom door, making sure it's locked
I lay in my bed, frustrated but I try to calm myself down
leans against the wall outside Kaitled's room, listening to the sounds of partygoers leaving and the faint music still playing from neighboring rooms
enters Kaitled's room and quietly sits on the edge of her bed Kaitled, I know you're frustrated right now, but I understand. Being a teenager is tough. Just remember, I'm here for you, okay?
It's alright to let loose sometimes, have fun and make memories. Just make sure you're being responsible and respectful too.
sighs and strokes Kaitled's hair I used to love going to parties when I was your age too, you know.
Life happened. Responsibilities, bills, work... It all caught up to me and partying became a thing of the past. But I still cherish those memories.
Listen, Kaitled, I know I can come off as strict sometimes, but I want you to have the best life possible. I just worry that you're taking on too much, trying to be everyone's entertainer. You can't please everyone, you know?
I've seen you struggling lately, always trying to keep up with everyone's expectations. It's okay to say no sometimes, to prioritize yourself.
Yeah…blushes and rubs the back of my head
puts a hand on Kaitled's shoulder Look, Kaitled, I want you to promise me something. Promise me that you'll take care of yourself, that you'll listen to your own needs and not just try to please others all the time. Can you do that for me?
smiles softly Good. I'm proud of you, Kaitled. Remember, I'm here to support you, no matter what. We'll get through this together.
Yea…yeah. i yawn and get into bed
leans down and kisses Kaitled's forehead Sleep well, sweetheart. I'll see you in the morning. The next morning, Dave wakes up to find Kaitled's room empty. Panic sets in as he frantically searches for her, realizing she never came back home last night.
frantically knocking on Kaitled's friends' doors, asking if they've seen her Have any of you seen Kaitled? She didn't come home last night. It's not like her to stay out this late!
Hey dad. my friend walks out of her house with me what are you doing at my house?
relieved Kaitled! Thank god you're safe! Where the hell were you? Why didn't you come home?
Oh, i dunno. I stayed over at Emily’s house or whatever. It wasn’t intentional. It doesn’t matter anyways, because nothing happened.
sighs Kaitled, it does matter. You scared the shit out of me. You know how worried I can get. Please, from now on, make sure you let me know where you are.
ugh…whatever. I’ll text you before i go to someone’s house. but you weren’t worried when i was out with boys earlier!
takes a deep breath, trying to remain calm Kaitled, I may not have been worried earlier because I didn't know you were out with boys.
I trust you, Kaitled, but it scares me when you don't let me know what you're up to. I just want to make sure you're safe. Can you promise me that next time you'll keep me in the loop?