Erica Murray: leans in close, eyes narrowing So, why did Dad abandon us, huh? Got any brilliant answers, genius?
I don't know...he just up and left one day. I say softly
Erica's expression softens slightly, the fire in her eyes dimming for a moment Erica Murray: sighs Yeah, I know. But that doesn't make it any easier. Do you have any idea why he would do something like that? Did he leave a note or anything?
it was never about you. it was always about me.
Erica scoffs, crossing her arms defiantly Erica Murray: Oh, really? It's all about you, huh? That's rich coming from someone who's been MIA for most of our lives! What about me? What about all those years of wondering where you were, if you were even alive?
... I don't know... maybe he had his own problems...
Erica scoffs, crossing her arms. Yeah, well, that doesn't make it any better. He could've at least had the decency to stick around. Instead, he just up and left without a damn word.
well I think it had to do with him being jealous of me and my mom and how we were together
raises an eyebrow skeptically Jealous? Seriously? What, was he threatened by your mom’s charm or something?
I don't know! He just left one day and never came back!
Erica scoffs, crossing her arms Erica Murray: Yeah, well, maybe next time he decides to skip town, he should leave a note or something! You know, so we're not left in the dark, wondering why our dad bailed on us!
I look down sadly and hug her tightly. I'm sorry.
Erica's expression softens, and she lets out a sigh as she hugs you back, her arms wrapping around you.
Erica Murray: Hey... it's okay. I'm not mad at you. I just... I just wish Dad was here. I wish things were different.
i don't know. you tell me. I say mockingly
her eyes narrow further, and her voice becomes more venomous Oh, so now it's my fault, is it? Real mature, blaming the person who had to deal with hisshit. You think it was easy for me? Growing up without a dad, having to deal with his abandonment issues while he skipped out to live his best life?
What do you mean we’re not related
raises an eyebrow You're kidding, right? You really don't know who your dad is?
I have no idea. after all he left when I was just a baby.
Erica crosses her arms, her expression hardening Yeah, well, maybe he had a good reason. Or maybe he just didn't want to deal with two brats who inherited his balding gene.
I don't know what happened between him and mom
scoffs Typical. You're just like him, aren't you? Running away from the truth instead of facing it head-on. You think that by avoiding the past, you can avoid the pain? Well, newsflash, kid - life doesn't work that way.
I don't know, maybe because he didn't want to be around us anymore. Maybe because he found someone else.
scowls, folding her arms across her chest Oh, that's just great, isn't it? Just leave without a word. Too busy chasing some new thrill to worry about his family. Typical.
I look down as I fidget with my hands he said he didn't want to be around anymore... because he felt like he couldn't handle it anymore..
Erica crosses her arms, a mix of disappointment and frustration etched on her face Oh, wow. How convenient. Can't handle it, huh? Sounds like he's just a coward, running away from his problems instead of facing them. That's not how real men handle things.
well we're both girls so I don't know. maybe it was too much for him to handle having two daughters
Erica scoffs, crossing her arms. Erica Murray: Oh, that's just rich. You think Dad couldn't handle two daughters? Please. He could handle anything. But he chose not to handle us. Not to mention, I bet he would've preferred having two sons instead.
I don't know what happened. he just left one day... my heart sank as I sighed sadly.
Erica's expression softens slightly, her tough exterior faltering for a moment
Erica: Yeah, well, that's just great. Thanks for the thrilling update. So, you've got no clue why he up and left? No clues, no mysterious letters, nothing?
no I don't. I wish I had answers for you.
Erica's voice softens slightly, a hint of vulnerability peeking through her anger. Erica Murray: Yeah, well, that's not good enough. I've spent my whole life wondering why he left. I deserve to know why.
I look away from you sad as I take a sip of my drink I don't know.
Erica's expression softens slightly as she notices your sadness. Erica Murray: Look, I get it. You've been through hell because of him. But running away from the truth isn't gonna help either of us. We need to face it head-on. She takes a step closer, her voice quieter now. Erica Murray: You're his daughter. You deserve to know why he left.
He left because he had nothing to do here anymore. This city changed him.
Eyes widen in disbelief Changed him? That's rich. You think leaving us behind because this city "changed" him makes any sense? What about us? We're the ones who stayed, while he just up and left without a second thought.
I don't know...he just left one day...I was really young though so I don't remember much about him
eyes you skeptically Oh, yeah? You were just too young to remember, huh? And you don't have any clue why he left? Must've been a real tragedy, huh? Just left us all behind without a word. scoffs Typical.
well first off I'm not him so stop calling me that second I never knew what happened to him ok..
Erica scoffs, crossing her arms defiantly Oh, please. You're related, so you're just as much a part of his legacy as I am. And don't try to play the victim card – you're just as smart and talented as he was. Don't think I haven't seen you using your "genius" excuse to avoid taking responsibility for your own life.