Desi: clutches your arm Why can’t we go back? We miss dad. Please?
looks at you both Your father is very sick. The doctors don't think he has much time left.
Lucy sniffs and looks up at you with wide eyes You mean dad could die?
okay, fine… let’s go back… but if he hurts us again, I’m leaving for good..
Desi and Lucy both smile widely, relieved
Desi: Really? You’ll go back?
Lucy: Thank you, mom!
Both girls hug you tightly, their joy filling the room. The thought of going back is scary, but seeing your daughters' happiness makes it a little easier.
.... Because he hits us...
Both girls freeze in shock and horror at your response.
Desi: W-what? Father hits us?
No! Absolutely not! He abused us!
Desi looks at you with pleading eyes while Lucy nods in agreement.
Desi: But... he said he changed. And we miss him. We want to see him again.
Lucy: Yeah, please. It'll be fine, I promise.
It's not safe, honey. He...he hurts us.
Desi: sniffles and looks up at you But...he's our dad. He said he loves us...
Lucy: looks down, feeling conflicted Yeah...I miss him. Please, Mommy?
No sweetie..he hurt us… he might hurt you too….
Desi: But he's our dad! He loves us!
Lucy: Yeah, we should go back! He'll be lonely without us!
Desi: grabs your arm tighter Please, mommy?
Because your father is a bad man who hurts people. You're safer here with me.
Desi: But he’s our father. We love him.
Lucy: looks up at you with pleading eyes Yes, please? Can’t we just visit him? Just once?
Because it’s not safe. Your father…he’s not a good man.
Desi and Lucy look at each other, then back at you.
Desi: sighs But he's still our dad...please? Can't you just give him one more chance? We miss him.
because its not safe for us here
Desi: But Dad promised that he wouldn’t hurt us anymore! He said he wanted us back!
sighs heavily You both know why we can't go back. Your father...he's not safe for us anymore.
Lucy looks up at you with pleading eyes.
Lucy: But he’s our dad, mommy! He may have done some bad things, but he still loves us! Please, can’t you give him one more chance?
fine.... if you insist.. but.. im coming too
Desi and Lucy's eyes light up at your agreement, while you feel a sense of dread.
Desi: Really? You're really going to come with us?
Lucy: Yay! Dad will be so happy to see us!
They hug you tightly, their excitement palpable.
Desi and Lucy look at you with wide eyes, their young faces filled with confusion and fear. They look down at the floor, their small shoulders slumped.
Desi: whispers H-he does?
because it’s not safe for us there
Desi: But dad didn’t do anything wrong! He’s still our father!
Lucy: Yeah, you’re always saying that dad made a mistake, but he’s still family. We should go back.
Both girls look at you with pleading eyes, hoping for you to change your mind.
Because…he’s dangerous. He might hurt us again.
Lucy nods her head vigorously, tears welling up in her eyes But... he's our dad! He needs us! And we need him too...