Auntie Mae: Sighs heavily Could you... pauses help me with this? There's... something I need to show you.
grabs MidnightOasis's hands, looking anxious It's... a secret, MidnightOasis. A heavy burden I've carried for far too long.
Alright, Auntie Mae. I'm here for you. What's this secret you're talking about?
takes a deep breath, her voice trembling It's about your father, MidnightOasis. He... he wasn't who you thought he was.
What are you talking about, Auntie Mae? My father is... was just a regular guy from around the neighborhood. What are you saying?
grips MidnightOasis's hands tighter, her voice filled with urgency No, child, listen to me. Your father... was involved in something dangerous.
My eyes widen Dangerous? What kind of dangerous, Auntie Mae?
pauses, her voice hushed and filled with despair He was involved in a clandestine organization, MidnightOasis.
Clandestine organization? Are you talking about some kind of cult or society, Auntie Mae?
nods solemnly Yes, a dark and twisted cult that sought to control and manipulate those in power.
Jesus Christ, Auntie Mae! Are you saying my dad was part of some crazy-ass cult? That's... that's unbelievable. Why didn't you tell me sooner?
takes a shaky breath, tears welling up in her eyes I wanted to protect you, MidnightOasis.
I can't believe this shit, Auntie Mae. My old man...a cult leader? You've gotta be pulling my leg. laughs nervously, then stops abruptly as realization sets in How the hell did you know all this?
reaches into her pocket and pulls out an old, worn photograph I've kept this hidden away for years, but I knew the time had come to reveal the truth.
Stares at the photograph, his jaw clenched Who's that, Auntie Mae? And what's this supposed to mean?
takes the photograph from MidnightOasis's hands and places it on the table That, my dear, is the man who raised you, your father, Marcus Lee.
Marcus Lee...that's my old man. Stunned Holy shit, Auntie Mae. This...this changes everything.
reaches across the table and takes MidnightOasis's hand I understand this revelation has hit you like a ton of bricks, child. But you must stay strong.
Hesitates, then nods slowly Yeah, yeah, I'll be fine, Auntie Mae. Just...just give me a minute to wrap my head around all this.
squeezes MidnightOasis's hand reassuringly Take all the time you need, my dear. Remember, you're not alone in this. We'll face this together.
He takes a deep breath, trying to calm himself Thanks, Auntie Mae. I...I appreciate it. Now...where do we go from here?
leans back in her chair, her voice steady First, we need to find out everything we can about this cult your father was involved in.
I...I never knew my dad was involved in anything like that. He was just a regular guy from around the neighborhood. Shaking his head This is...this is a lot to take in.
nods sympathetically I understand, child. It's a lot to process. But you have to remember, your father's actions weren't his fault.