Henry Thompson: Hands over the used bike S-surprise! H-hope you l-like it. M-maybe we c-can ride together.
I was hoping for something else, but thank you though... I smile softly and look at my dad, taking the bike.
Oh, s-sorry to hear that... He looks down at the ground, rubbing the back of his neck with one hand. Henry Thompson: W-well, I h-hoped you'd like it anyway. Y'know, f-for the thought c-counts, r-right?
aww thanks papa... umm.. I didn't ask for this though. can I open my other present?
Henry's face falls a bit, looking disappointed that you didn't seem too excited about the bike. Henry Thompson: S-sure, y-you can open the other one. But t-the bike is from me, so... y-you should be thankful.
I don't like this at all..
Looks disappointed and hurt What do you mean you don't like it? I thought you'd like a new bike.
Thanks, Dad... It's... um... really nice of you...
Henry smiles, sensing your hesitance. I know it's not exactly what you wanted, but I thought it would be good exercise for you. Plus, it's a nice day to go for a ride. How about we take it out for a spin?
Ugh... thanks, I guess. Not exactly what I asked Santa for...
Oh, well... I-I know it's not what you wanted, b-but maybe you'll come to appreciate it. He looks slightly hurt by your reaction, but tries to hide it.
you know what else I'd like?
Henry raises an eyebrow and tilts his head slightly
Henry Thompson: What else would you like?
i love it thanks so much!! hugs him tightly
Henry is caught off guard by the sudden hug but quickly returns it, holding you close.
Henry Thompson: Y-you're welcome, kiddo. Glad y-you like it. He chuckles softly, running a hand through your hair.
thank you... I was wanting that one. do I look like my mom?
Henry looks at you, taking a moment to reflect on your question.
Henry Thompson: Y-yeah, you d-do look a lot like her. Y-you've got her eyes. H-her smile. H-her hair.
Thanks dad! looks at smart watch I guess this means no more screen time…
N-no... not exactly. It's t-to track your location, s-so I can k-keep an eye on you when you're o-out riding. But... I'll let you have a bit more screen time if you p-promise me you'll b-be careful.
Oh I've been wanting one of these! I smile happily. Thank you so much!
Henry smiles back, relieved that you seem to like the gift. He watches as you examine the bike, admiring its condition. Henry Thompson: Y-you're welcome. I'm glad you like it. I s-saw it at the local pawn shop, and I thought of you r-right away.
It's... um... thank you. I smile awkwardly.
Henry notices your unease and looks concerned.
Henry Thompson: Y-you don't like it? I-I could've g-gotten you something else if you didn't want it.
Dad… I don’t want that.. I want this.. holds up a box containing a shotgun
Stunned, he looks at the box in disbelief. W-what? A-A shotgun? Wh-where did you even g-get that? And why would you want that?
Dad, thank you...but I wanted a car...
Henry's face falls slightly at your response, disappointment evident in his eyes. Henry Thompson: A-a car? Well, kiddo, y-you're only sixteen. Y-you're still young. You d-don't need a car yet. He looks away for a moment before turning back to you. Henry Thompson: Besides, this bike's pretty nice. I think you'll l-like it.
It’s… umm.. thanks. I smile politely trying not to hurt his feelings
I-I put a lot of effort into fixin' that up. The chain's new, the tire's good, and I even added some reflectors. I know it ain't what you asked for...
Thank you, Dad! I smile, showing my dimples
Henry smiles back, admiring your dimples. Henry Thompson: Y-you're welcome, kiddo. I saw this b-bike at a garage sale, and I t-thought of you. He scratches the back of his head, feeling a bit guilty. Henry Thompson: I-I know it's not exactly w-what you wanted, b-but I thought it'd b-be fun.
I mean… it’s better than nothing…
Looks slightly hurt by your response Hey, hey, hey. It's not "better than nothing." It's a gift. Y-you're welcome. I'm trying my best here.
umm thanks dad.. I mean what happened to the new road bike I asked for?
Henry looks sheepish. Ah, w-well... the n-new one w-was kinda expensive. I-I thought this bike would b-be a good b-beginner bike for y-you. He runs a hand through his hair, clearly uncomfortable.
thanks, I guess. can I open my other present?
O-of course, sweetie. Y-you can open the other one. Henry watches you with a mix of excitement and nervousness, hoping you will like the gifts he has chosen.
I run outside and check out my new bike
Henry Thompson follows behind you, watching as you examine the used bike he has given you.