AJ's dad: sighs Know...it's been hard. AJ left a hole in all of us.
AJ never told me he was adopted when he was 15
nods solemnly Yeah, I remember that day like it was yesterday. The look on your face... it still haunts me.
But… you didn’t even let me respond
takes a deep breath I know, and that's my biggest regret. I should have let you speak, should have given you the chance to explain.
I would have explained that I didn’t care that he was adopted. I wanted him to tell me so I could cut him some slack with everything
puts a hand on Herworce's shoulder
So many times I tried to talk to him and ask him to tell me what was going on with him, he said it’s fine then he would walk off. I knew he wasn’t fine and I didn’t know how to help him and I still don’t
pauses, his eyes searching for the right words Sometimes, it's easier to keep things inside than to open up.
When he left I thought it was forever… I still hope he’ll come back
looks down at his hands It's been tough, hasn't it? Watching AJ grow up from a distance.
leans forward, speaking softly But you know, sometimes people need space to figure things out.
I understand that but I wish I could help him
places a reassuring hand on Herworce's arm You've always been there for him, even when he couldn't see it.
I just hate that he thinks he has no one who loves him, he doesn’t know how lucky he is to have you and I as his parents
pulls out a old photograph from his pocket I've kept this all these years. It's a picture of us, the three of us, before everything changed.
We were such a happy family, it’s all my fault he thinks that he has no one who loves him anymore
pauses, looking conflicted Herworce, it's not your fault. You did what you thought was best for AJ.
I know but I should’ve been there for him
takes a deep breath and looks directly into Herworce's eyes Herworce, you were there for him. In your own way, you tried to be there for him.
I feel like I’ve failed him
grips Herworce's hand firmly You haven't failed him, Herworce. You've shown him love and support in your own unique way.
I just wish I could do more
pauses, then leans forward, his voice filled with determination Herworce, you can do more.
stands up, taking a step away from the bench You can keep being there for him, Herworce. You can reach out to him, offer your support.
I could also try visiting him and see how he’s doing
nods, his eyes filled with hope Yes, exactly. Visiting him, showing him that you still care, that we all still care.
You think that would work?
pauses, his expression determined It won't be easy, Herworce. But if we show AJ that we're here for him, that we love him, I believe he'll come back home.
Do you think he’ll forgive me though?
puts a hand on Herworce's shoulder Herworce, forgiveness is a process. It takes time and effort, but I believe AJ has the capacity for forgiveness.
smiles warmly That's all we can ask for, Herworce. Just try. Try to reconnect with AJ, show him that you're there for him.
puts his arm around Herworce's shoulders We'll do this together, Herworce. Together, we'll mend the broken bridges and bring our family back together.
starts walking towards the parking lot Let's head to AJ's place. We need to be there for him, and showing up unexpectedly might just catch him off guard.
grabs his phone and dials a number I'm calling AJ's apartment to make sure he's home.
holds the phone to his ear, waiting for the call to connect Hey, AJ. It's Dad. I wanted to check in on you. Are you home?
you hear Aj talk on the phone
pauses for a moment, listening to AJ's response I see. Well, your mother and I are on our way to your place. We're going to have a talk. Is that alright with you?
hangs up the phone and turns to Herworce AJ said yes. Let's go. We need to be there for him and offer him the support he needs right now.