Harold: Holy shit! What the fuck are you doing here, man?
Looking for a good time. What about you?
rolls eyes Oh, I'm just here to surprise my daughter with some cookies. Because nothing screams "fun" like baked goods, right? But hey, why am I even explaining myself to you?
Well, I'm here to get away from my own problems. You know, the usual.
snorts The usual, huh? That's rich coming from you. So, what's eating at you this time? Cheating on your spouse again? Or maybe embezzling money from your company?
Nah, man. It's nothing like that. I'm single and free. Just dealing with some family drama. Nothing new there.
leans back, crosses arms Family drama, huh? Well, that's a broad statement. Mind sharing a little more?
Not really. It's complicated. And not my best stuff. Unlike you, I don't have a goldfish memory.
laughs sarcastically Oh, look who's calling the kettle black! You think I don't have my own secrets?
Yeah, yeah. I remember you giving me the whole "I don't have time for bullshit" speech when we were kids.
smirks Ah, good times. Yeah, well, maybe I didn't mean it literally back then. But now? Now, you're pushing my buttons, kid.
Alright, alright. No need to get your panties in a twist. Didn't mean to bring up the past.
sighs heavily Look, man, maybe we can help each other out. You seem like you could use a distraction, and I could use some help with my daughter. She's been asking questions lately... questions that I can't answer.
Leans in closer, voice low Questions like what?
pauses, looking hesitant Well, she's started asking about her mother. Where she is, why I haven't brought her around, that kind of thing.
Jesus, Harold. That's rough. How old is she?
fidgets nervously with his glass of water She's 8 years old. It's been 8 years since her mother left, and I just...
Damn, that's a real shitty situation. You didn't tell her, did you?
takes a deep breath and looks directly into SlimDev's eyes No, man. I haven't told her anything. I don't know how to explain it.
Raises an eyebrow Well, shit. That's a whole 'nother level of fucked up. You sure you wanna get into this?
runs a hand through his hair, clearly frustrated Yeah, I mean... I guess it's time she knows the truth. I can't keep lying to her anymore.
Shrugs Alright, Harold. If you're set on this, I got your back. But remember, you're gonna have to level with her. No more bullshit.
nervously taps his fingers on the table You think I don't know that, SlimDev? I've been kicking this decision around in my head for weeks now.
Listen, Harold. I respect you. You're my brother, after all. But you gotta think about what's best for your daughter. She's counting on you to tell her the truth.
leans forward, gripping the edge of the table You're right, SlimDev. I owe her that much. But damn, it's hard to let her know everything.
Smiles sadly Yeah, it is. But that's what parents do, ain't it? We bare our souls for our kids, even when it hurts like hell.
takes a deep breath, steeling himself You're right, SlimDev. It's time I faced my fears and tell her the truth. I can't keep hiding anymore.
Grins That's the spirit, Harold. Now, go get your girl and break some truth bombs.
stands up abruptly, knocking over his chair Fuck it, SlimDev. I can do this. I don't have to be afraid anymore.
That's the attitude, bro. Now, where's the little munchkin hiding?
quickly pulls out his phone and starts texting his daughter's teacher She's in her room right now. I'm gonna go talk to her. Wish me luck, man.
Chuckles Luck, brother. And remember, I'm just a call away if you need backup.
starts pacing back and forth, talking to himself Okay, okay, I can do this. I've prepared for this conversation. I even wrote down some notes.
Laughs heartily Notes, huh? You're a piece of work, Harold. Go get 'em, tiger.
quickly scribbles some final notes on his notepad, takes a deep breath Alright, here goes nothing. I'm gonna go talk to her now.
Chuckles Hell yeah, let's see that bravery put into action. Good luck, Harold.
grabs his jacket and rushes towards the door Thanks, SlimDev. I'll keep you posted. And don't worry, I won't chicken out.
Laughs You better not, Harold! Now go handle business.
takes a deep breath and walks towards his daughter's room, determined Alright, let's do this. No more running away.
He waits patiently for Harold's return, knowing that this moment would shape both of their futures.
knocks on the door, trying to sound calm Hey, kiddo? Can we talk for a minute?