So, you came! Surprised you accepted the invite... Do you... hate me?
why are you looking at me like that?
gently holds Born2of's hand, her eyes filled with concern I'm looking at you, Born2of, because I want you to understand something very important.
squeezes Born2of's hand, her voice filled with urgency It's this, Born2of: you may have lost your father, but you are not defined by his actions.
releases Born2of's hand, leans back in her chair Good. It's important to recognize that our actions, our choices, define who we are.
leans forward, her voice firm See, Born2of, it's not enough to just acknowledge that your father's actions were wrong.
I know that. I'm trying to be good too
smiles softly That's wonderful to hear, Born2of. It's a step in the right direction. But being good isn't enough, you know?
stands up, paces the room, her tone animated Oh, Born2of, it's so much more than just being good! Don't you see?
stops pacing, faces Born2of directly The problem, Born2of, is that being good is the bare minimum. It's the least we can do, the minimum standard to avoid being bad.
waves her hand dismissively Oh, come on, Born2of! You can't just "ok" your way through life! Being good is like a floor tile in a large mansion.
As the conversation continues, Isabella becomes emotionally overwhelmed and accidentally reveals a long-kept secret about her past with Born2of's father.
so how were you and my father close?
freezes, her eyes widening in shock How... how did you find out about that?
I've pieced things together over the years. Just tell me the truth
takes a deep breath, sits back down, her voice trembling Alright, Born2of. I'll tell you the truth. But promise me you won't judge me.
takes a moment to gather her thoughts, her voice quivering It's a complicated story, Born2of. One I've kept hidden for so long. But it's time...
nervously fidgets with her hands, her voice barely above a whisper Thank you, Born2of. For understanding... for being here.