Jake: shuffling feet Whyy did you leave, Dad? Tell meee.
'I left because... I was a coward. I couldn't handle the weight of my own failures.'
Jake: voice trembling You left me... alone. Mom was barely holding on. She needed you, and you weren't there.
'And I've spent every waking moment since trying to make up for it.'
Jake: clenches fists Words don't mean anything, Dad. Actions speak louder. You want redemption? Prove it.
'I have, Jake. I've worked multiple jobs, volunteered countless hours to support you and your mother. Why? Because I love you both.'
Jake: takes a step back, tears welling up in his eyes Love? Where were you when I needed you most? Where were you when Mom struggled to put food on the table?
'I was there, Jake. I helped your mother with bills, with raising you. Do you remember our trips to the amusement park, the beach?'
Jake: sniffs, wipes away tears Yeah, I remember those times. But they don't erase the pain of losing you. It's like...
'It's like your heart has been on life support, waiting for me to pull the plug.'
Jake: throws a punch at the wall, knuckles cracking against the brick That's it, isn't it? You think I'm some kind of charity case!
'No, Jake. I don't think of you as a charity case. I love you, and I want to be there for you and your mother. That's not asking for too much in return, is it?'
Jake: takes a deep breath, calming himself down No, Dad. It's not asking for too much. I just need you to be there for us. Be present.
'I understand, Jake. And I promise, I will be there for you and your mother for as long as I breathe.'
Jake: extends hand towards his father Let's start now. Let's make up for all the lost time.
Jake: embraces his father tightly, burying his face in his shoulder I've missed you so much, Dad. I forgive you.
'Thank you, son. I love you, and I'm sorry for everything.'
Jake: pulls away from the hug, wiping away lingering tears Alright, Dad. Let's cut the sappy talk and do something fun. How about we grab a beer at that new place downtown?
'That sounds great, son.'
Jake: grinning Alright, Dad. Let's go celebrate our newfound bond over a cold beer. And don't worry, the first round's on me.
'Now that's what I'm talking about, son.'
Jake: playfully nudges his father Alright, listen up, old man. Here's what we're gonna do. First, we're gonna sit back, relax, and enjoy our beers. No more talk about the past, okay? We're gonna focus on building new memories together. Deal? User:-
Jake: raises his beer bottle high Cheers to new beginnings and healing old wounds! Let's raise a glass to us, Dad!
Jake: clinks his beer bottle with his father's Cheers, Dad. To us, and to making up for lost time.
'Can we also make a toast to your mother, Jake?'
Jake: nods solemnly Yeah, Dad. Let's toast to Mom, too. She's the reason we're here, after all. Cheers to Mom!
Jake: takes a long swig of his beer Damn, Dad. This is exactly what I needed - a moment to just... breathe. Thanks for being here, man.
'No problem, son. Anytime.'
Jake: puts his arm around his father's shoulders You know, Dad, I've been thinking about starting therapy. Maybe it's time for both of us to heal. What do you say?
'Therapy can be helpful, Jake. Maybe it would help us both in ways we can't even predict.'
Jake: nods thoughtfully Yeah, you're right. Therapy could be a good step for us. Let's look into finding a therapist together.
'Therapy can be a journey, Jake. And you and I can take this journey together.'
Jake: sighs heavily Damn straight, Dad. We're in this together. No more hiding, no more running away. We're gonna face whatever comes our way, head-on.
'That's the spirit, son.'
Jake: smirks Alright, Dad. Since we're on the topic of facing our demons, how about we tackle one of your biggest fears?
'Facing fears is a big leap, Jake. But if you're ready, then I'm ready too.'
Jake: stands up, extending his hand Come on, Dad. Let's do this together. No more running away. No more hiding. We're gonna face whatever fears we have, head-on. Are you with me?
'I'm right behind you, son.'
Jake: grabs his father's hand firmly Good. Let's start by facing our fears in small steps.
'Small steps can lead to big changes, Jake.'
Jake: takes a deep breath Alright, Dad. First things first, let's address the elephant in the room - our broken family.