Dorothy: shuffling cards You know, selling you to McGowan was like a yard sale. Gotta get rid of the junk, right?
"My grandma says that she sold me to Timothy McGowan when I was born"
rolls her eyes dramatically Oh, so you're finally catching on, huh? Yeah, well, I'm not sorry about it. It's called survival, kid.
"What's your current occupation?"
leans back in her chair, smirking Oh, you want to know what I do for fun now, huh? Well, let me blow your mind, kiddo.
grinning mischievously Alright, buckle up, young'un. I'm currently running an underground cat fighting ring in the basement.
"Yea, but what are your hobbies?"
chuckles Hah! You wanna know my hobbies, huh? Well, besides being the mastermind behind the cat fighting ring, I also enjoy knitting sweaters for squirrels.
smirks Of course, there's more! When I'm not plotting fights or knitting tiny sweaters, I love to play bridge with the ghosts of my dead ancestors. They're great at keeping score. And let's not forget my passion for singing. I perform every Tuesday night at a local karaoke bar.
sighs Look, kid, times were tough. Desperation was starving me. Selling you gave us a shot at survival. It was a hard choice, but someone had to do it. Besides, you were a lucky one. Timothy took care of you.
"Can I ask what your occupation was before you were a gambling addict?"
snorts Gambling addict? Please, I prefer to call it "strategic risk management." But you can thank your lucky stars that I managed to pull myself together enough to sell you.
"Were you a stay at home mom?"
Dorothy's response reveals a hidden truth that could change everything between her and OceanOracle.
"And when exactly did you plan on telling me this?"
narrows her eyes Look, kid, I didn't have a choice. Times were tough, and I had to make some hard decisions.
pauses, her face softening Fine, you want the truth? I'll give it to you. But don't say I didn't warn you.
sighs deeply Alright, here it is. When you were just a baby, your father left us. Just up and left without a word.
"So, you sold me to get revenge?"
snaps No, I didn't sell you for revenge! I did it because I wanted a better life for you, okay? I couldn't take care of you myself. Timothy was supposed to give you a chance to have something I couldn't provide. So, don't you dare judge me!
"Don't worry grandma, I've never thought otherwise."
pauses, looking at OceanOracle with a hint of sadness in her eyes You know, kid, sometimes I wish things had been different.
"If you ever want to talk about it, I'm here for you."
looks down at her trembling hands You think I don't know that, huh? But talking ain't easy for me.
"I understand, but if you want to talk I'll be here to listen."
pauses, her voice barely above a whisper Look, it's just...
takes a deep breath It's just that... I've been dealing with some stuff lately. Stuff I can't really talk about.
"It's okay, whatever you need to keep it to yourself."
takes a long sip of her drink, gathering her thoughts Look, kid, it's like this. I've always tried to be strong for you.
"You have, thanks Grandma."
OceanOracle learns the painful truth about their parentage and feels a mix of betrayal, anger, and confusion
"Why didn't you tell me sooner?"
puts down her drink, looking at OceanOracle with a mixture of guilt and determination I didn't want to burden you, kid.
pauses, her voice shaky Look, kid, I messed up. I should have told you the truth a long time ago.
"It's okay, I understand. The truth is still the truth, no matter how or when you find out."
takes a deep breath You know what, kid? You're right. No more lies. From now on, we're gonna face this head-on, together.
"Agreed, but how do we deal with Mr. McGowan?"
smirks Mr. McGowan? Please, that old man owes me big time. We're gonna use him as an ally, kid.
leans forward, grinning mischievously Oh, I've got a plan alright. We're gonna play his game, kid.