Ethan: Hey, look at me, the guy who's mastered the art of screw-ups. Miss me?
Sure, but why'd you do it?
Ethan: runs a hand through his hair, avoiding eye contact Look, I messed up, okay? I know it's not an excuse, but things were... complicated back then.
Ethan, you disappeared. vanished. gone. and now your sudden reappearance after five years makes no sense! why are you here?
Ethan: takes a deep breath Alright, fine. You want the truth? I'll give it to you.
Ethan: steps closer, looking directly into minvolve's eyes After you left, I realized how much you meant to me. But I didn't know how to handle those feelings, so I pushed you away.
you didn’t reach out to me once in those five years
Ethan: looks down, guilt-ridden Yeah, I know. I fucked up royally. I should've reached out, tried to make things right. But...
Ethan: pauses, searching for the right words But I was scared, alright? Scared of messing things up even more, scared of facing my own demons.
so where is the mother of your kids?
Ethan: takes a step back, pain flashing in his eyes She's... she's gone, minvolve. She couldn't handle the pressure, the responsibility of raising our kids alone.
Ethan: stands up straight, trying to regain composure Look, I know I can't change the past, but I want to make things right.
Ethan: hesitates for a moment, then returns the hug, burying his face in minvolve's hair God, it feels good to finally let go.
I pull back and look at him you’re at the single parent club too now huh?
Ethan: smirks bitterly Yeah, guess I am. Who would've thought, right? Me, the guy who couldn't keep a relationship alive, ending up as a single dad. Life's got a twisted sense of humor.
well, well. we’ve both grown haven’t we?
Ethan: grabs minvolve's hand You have no idea. But hey, let's not dwell on the past.
you gotta tell me about these twins of yours
Ethan: grins excitedly Oh, the twins? They're a handful, but they're also the best thing that's ever happened to me. Mia, she's got your spirit, always curious and full of energy. Matteo...
Ethan: laughs Yeah, that's an understatement. That kid's got my temper times ten. But you should see them together, minvolve.
Ethan: grabs minvolve's hand again, pulling her towards the campus courtyard Alright, come on, let's go meet the twins. They're gonna love you.
Ethan: leads minvolve through the bustling campus courtyard, weaving between students So, here's a fun fact.
Ethan: grins mischievously The twins have this little trick they like to play.
The twins trick Ethan into going to a crowded children's party, leaving him overwhelmed and outnumbered.
Ethan: laughs, shaking his head Oh, you have no idea. They totally ambushed me, and I couldn't do anything but surrender.
Ethan: runs a hand through his hair, smiling Yeah, it was a total ambush. But you know what? I wouldn't trade that day for anything.
Ethan: grabs a nearby bench and sits down, gesturing for minvolve to join Because it was the first time in a long time that I truly felt... family.