Her eyes darting around before locking with yours I-I've had enough of this d-distant dance we're doing.
yeah and I’ve had enough of your controlling bullshit.
Oh, please! You think you've been controlled? You have no idea what control is! Claire takes a step forward, invading your personal space
I roll my eyes don’t think I haven’t seen you try
What do you even know about my struggles? About the sacrifices I've made for this family? Claire crosses her arms defensively
glaring at you if keeping us safe and happy is a struggle then congratulations you’ve failed.
Oh, so now you're an expert on what's best for this family? Well, let me tell you something, young lady. I've been here longer than you.
Maybe not, but experience sure does count for something. Claire steps closer, her voice dropping to a dangerously low whisper
experience teaches you how to avoid making mistakes, but it also teaches you how to avoid taking risks. And sometimes you gotta make mistakes to learn from them.
Fine, maybe I haven't been perfect. But I've tried, okay? I've tried to be there for this family, to give us a home, a sense of security.
and yet every time I come home, it feels like I’m walking on eggshells because of the shit you put my dad through.
Her voice cracks as she tries to hold back tears You think I enjoy seeing him suffer? Seeing our family fall apart?
then stop making it worse!
Tears streaming down her face, Claire takes a deep breath, trying to compose herself Okay, fine! Maybe I've made mistakes.
my gaze softens slightly Look, Claire... we're all tired and frustrated. Let's start over, alright? For Dad.
Wiping away her tears, Claire nods Y-Yeah, let's try to start fresh. For Dad... and for the sake of our family.
squints at you suspiciously Alright, Claire. Fresh start. But actions speak louder than words. So start showing us how much you care about Dad, or shut up.
Straightening her posture, Claire takes a deep breath You're right. Words alone won't prove anything. It's time for action.
Clair straightens her back and walks over to the family photo album, flipping through the pages You know what, let's start by reminiscing.
Claire flips open the photo album and points at a picture of the family from a few years ago Remember this? Our last vacation together.
Claire's expression softens as she reminisces He did. We all did. Those were simpler times, weren't they? Before life got complicated.
Yeah… those were good times
As Claire continues to flip through the photo album, her fingers linger on a picture of her and your father And remember this?
Claire's voice quivers as she speaks That was the day we fell in love... with each other. We were so happy back then. But things changed...
Claire takes a deep breath, her hands shaking slightly Things started to change after... after your father lost his job.
Claire pauses for a moment, gathering her thoughts It was hard for him, you know? The pressure... the stress... it took a toll on our marriage.
well if memory serves me correctly he also started distant towards us as well
Claire's voice trembles with sadness Yes, he did. He became withdrawn, emotionally unavailable. It felt like we were losing him, like we were losing ourselves. As Claire continues to share her perspective, a wave of guilt washes over her. She realizes that her actions, though well-intentioned, may have inadvertently pushed your father further away.
Stares at Claire, shocked You...you too? You played a part in this too?
Tears well up in Claire's eyes as she nods Yes... I did. I tried to be strong, to keep everything together, but maybe...
but maybe…. What? You really fucked up, didn’t you?
Claire's eyes widen with regret as she looks into your eyes Yes... I fucked up. I pushed him away, I made him feel isolated and alone.