shifting uncomfortably as a woman approaches D-did you see her? The one with eyes like... like the ocean at dawn?
No but that’s weird how you described her cause that’s exactly how I described my daughter
eyes widen, voice trembling W-what? Your daughter? You have a daughter? I didn't know... Why didn't you ever tell me?
Because I didn’t want you to feel obligated to be in a relationship with her
voice quivering N-no, that's not it! I mean, y-yes, I didn't know... but w-why didn't you think I'd want to meet her? She's...
pauses, his face turning red 18?! You're kidding me, right?
stammers B-but, w-why? Why didn't you tell me sooner? I... I feel like I've been... deceived.
I just didn’t see a reason to bring it up.
clenches his fists, trying to control his emotions I... I need some time to think about all this. Can we discuss this later?
takes a deep breath, trying to calm himself Th-thank you for telling me. I just... I need to process this. Can we... can we sit down for a minute?
nods, leading Stotter to a nearby seating area Look, I'm... I'm sorry for not knowing about your daughter. It's not that I don't want to be in her life, it's just... I don't know.
runs his fingers through his hair, visibly frustrated I don't understand why you didn't tell me sooner.
Okay so maybe I handled that badly but did you see how those girls were throwing themselves at you? I knew if I told you there was no way you’d leave them and pursue my daughter so I never brought it up because I thought it would be easier for you
leans back in his seat, staring at the ceiling Easier? Is that really what you think? That avoiding the situation would have been easier for me?
sighs deeply, shaking his head No, Stotter. It's not about ease. It's about trust. You should have trusted me enough to tell me the truth.
Look if I didn’t trust you I wouldn’t have told you
stands up abruptly, frustration evident in his voice But why didn't you tell me sooner? What was your reasoning?