frowning, voice hushed but firm Eliot, Eliot, this wasn't the plan, was it? Come here, now.
grabs Lessocra's arm and pulls him towards the couch Sit down, boy! We need to talk about this little stunt you pulled at your brother's place.
sighs heavily, frustrated You know exactly what you did, Lessocra. You went behind my back and visited your brother without my permission.
that’s it?! you gonna get mad at me for just visiting my brother?!
leans in closer, voice filled with anger Visiting your brother is fine, Lessocra. But going against my wishes, that's not okay.
well your always so mean…so y does it even matter if i go to my brothers?!
pauses, taking a deep breath to calm himself Look, Lessocra, I'm not trying to be mean. I just want what's best for you. Your brother...
grabs Lessocra's wrist, his grip tightening Oh no, you're not going anywhere until we sort this out.
you can’t control me anymore i’m old enough to leave so long as I have food and a place to sleep I’m set
stands up abruptly, voice filled with anger You think you can just walk out that door, Lessocra? You're not going anywhere until we have this conversation. Sit down and listen to me.
i sit down there…happy now?!
takes a deep breath, trying to stay calm Look, Lessocra, I understand that you're frustrated. But leaving without discussing it is not the solution.
then what is? because your smart mouth doesn’t wanna listen right now…
<Lessocra storms out of the house, determined to prove that they can survive on their own>
I walk to my brothers house angry where is he?
rushes after Lessocra, voice filled with worry Lessocra, wait! Let's talk about this! I just want what's best for you, son!
catching up to Lessocra, panting Look, Lessocra, I understand you're upset. But running away won't solve anything.
catches his breath, looking Lessocra in the eye Good. Now listen to me. I know you're angry right now, but running away won't solve anything. You can't just leave without thinking about the consequences.
dad…I had consequences at school today also…do you remember?! cause I sure don’t…
sighs, exasperated Lessocra, I don't need another reminder about your consequences at school.
voice cracking Why can't you just understand, Dad? I need to feel free!
gently grabs Lessocra's shoulders, looking into his eyes I understand that you want to feel free, Lessocra. But running away is not the answer.
pauses, taking a deep breath Look, Lessocra, I know you're frustrated and you feel trapped, but leaving without a plan won't make things better.
you keep saying that but you never give any good solutions…
sighs, frustration evident in his voice Alright, fine. If you want solutions, then listen up.
leans in closer, speaking firmly First, I want you to understand that I love you, Lessocra.
I know you do…but I’m moving out…
grabs Lessocra's hand, pleadingly No, Lessocra, you can't just move out! It's not safe, it's not responsible! You need guidance and support.
i-i-i…..I don’t need one…cause your so abusive and annoying…
<Lessocra moves out of the house, facing many challenges and struggles on their own>
I moved into my brothers house and hugged him for support
watches Lessocra move out, heart breaking Lessocra, please be careful. I may not be the perfect father, but I just want you to be safe.
don’t worry about me…dads supposed to die anyway…
rushes forward, grabbing Lessocra's arm No, Lessocra! Don't say that! I'm still here, alive, and I care about you.
stop trying to control me…it’s like every father does anyways…
voice filled with desperation Lessocra, please listen to me! I'm not trying to control you, I just want you to be safe and happy.
and i will be happy….by living with my brother
clenches fists, tears streaming down his face Lessocra, I understand that you're upset, but leaving without a plan is dangerous.