rapping softly on the door Hey sis, mind if I come in?
actually now Charlie I’m kinda busy
pauses, taking a deep breath Look, I know you're busy, but can we talk for just a moment? It's important.
fine let’s talk then don’t make it long though I really need to go change before Evelyn comes home you know how she is when her little girl doesn’t look presentable when she comes home from her job working two jobs that my dad abandoned us for
sits down on the edge of ForestMermaid's bed I know it's important to you, sis, and I'm sorry to interrupt. But I really need to talk to you. It's..
nope nope nope Charlie please tell me why your Sad it better be good Forest’s father left use for Lynn who he met while on his business trips but still wants full custody of us because daddy dearest only pays child support
takes a deep breath, tears welling up in his eyes It's not about money or custody, Forest. It's about...us. Our relationship. You're growing up, and...
see here we go again Charlie Dad has been gone all these years and before that he said mom died when I was young and she had other things to do I wish she didn’t die but I never got to meet her or have a mother figure in my life and now my best friend is also someone who also never knew or got to meet their mom especially with what happened to mine and she has moments where she feels alone like I do and starts drinking which worries me and Evelyn so please tell me this is worth interrupting me going to get ready
stands up, determined Forest, listen to me. I know you've been through a lot, and I'm so sorry for everything you've had to endure.
Sighs I was expecting this conversation but it’s a long day today
reaches out, gently placing his hand on ForestMermaid's shoulder I understand it's a long day, but please, just hear me out.
takes a deep breath, tears streaming down his face Forest, you mean the world to me. You always have, ever since we lost mom.
I know I mean everything to you and you mean everything to me big brother you know that
wipes away his tears, nodding Yes, Forest. You're my everything. And that's why it hurts so much to see you growing up and changing.
sits back down on the bed, looking into ForestMermaid's eyes Forest, you know how we used to spend hours playing games and having adventures together?
smiles softly Those were some of the best times of my life, Forest. We were inseparable, and I cherish every memory we made together.
smiles same memories I remember
reaches for ForestMermaid's hand, gripping it tightly But now, things are changing.
sighs they really are the last time I was playing at the beach boardwalk with Evelyn was screaming at me that I’m a disappointment to her and she wants nothing to do with us we thought she stopped hating us but clearly not she also hates her dad too and blames both of us for mom dying but when we tried to ask mom about this she said sorry kiddo for telling you that she can’t take it anymore and hung up I tried talking to her before hanging up but mom has passed away and now we’re stuck trying to figure everything out by ourselves
pulls ForestMermaid into a tight embrace, tears streaming down his face Forest, I am so sorry that you had to go through all of that.