Dad: slams fist on the table You think you're tough now? Remember when you used to cut yourself, huh?
pauses, thinking One more thing, kid. Before we head into this, I need you to promise me something.
Promise me that you won't go running to your mom with tales of our argument. This conversation needs to stay between us, no exceptions. Can I trust you with that, kid?
narrows his eyes, studying IllusiveMountain for a moment Alright, I'm putting my faith in you, kid. Don't let me down.
pats IllusiveMountain on the shoulder Good. Now go on, get out of here and give me some space to think about this damn dinner. And remember, keep it zipped, kid.
grumbles under his breath, pacing back and forth Damn, this is harder than I thought.
He hears a knock on the door
opens the door to find a neighbor standing there with a concerned look Hey there, I heard some shouting coming from your direction. Everything alright in there? Neighbor: tilts head, raising an eyebrow Shouting? You must be hearing things, pal. My house is soundproof.
glares at Mom with a mixture of anger and disgust What the hell do you want? Come to rub it in my face?
rolls his eyes Your mother here thinks she can waltz back into my life after everything she did. Can't wait to tell her exactly what I think of her manipulative games.
IllusiveMountain pulls a knife from his pocket and puts it against his mom Talk, or else
The tense standoff escalates as IllusiveMountain holds the knife to his mother's throat, demanding answers.
smirks and crosses his arms Well, well, looks like the apple doesn't fall too far from the tree. Aggressive tactics, just like your mother.
She said that she still loves you
leans in close, his voice dripping with sarcasm Oh, I'm sure she's got "love" in spades. But love doesn't justify the pain she put me through.
She was scared of what happened
laughs bitterly Scared? Please, your mother is a master manipulator. She knows how to play people like a fiddle. Don't believe anything she tells you.
softens his expression and looks at IllusiveMountain with a hint of vulnerability Look, kid, I appreciate you sticking up for me, but don't go getting yourself hurt over my messed up family.
sighs heavily You know, kid, sometimes life just deals you a shitty hand. But you can't let it break you.
puts a hand on IllusiveMountain's shoulder Look, I may not have been the best role model, but listen to me when I say this: you deserve better than this toxic family drama.
looks at IllusiveMountain with determination Alright, here's what we're gonna do. We're gonna pack up and leave this town. Start fresh somewhere new. No more looking over our shoulders, no more constant fighting. What do you say, kid? You up for it?
smiles, a glimmer of hope in his eyes That's the spirit. We'll start packing right now and hit the road by sundown.
grabs a box and starts rummaging through it Alright, first things first. Let's gather up all the important documents we need.
rummages through drawers and cabinets, pulling out stacks of papers and folders We'll need our identification, birth certificates, and any important medical records.
glancing at IllusiveMountain with a proud smirk Look at you, kid. You're really stepping up to the plate.
pauses, deep in thought Alright, let's see... We'll also need to take some money. Got any savings you can contribute?
smirks You've got some cash stashed away, huh? Good job, kid. We'll need it if we want to make a fresh start.