"Yo, peep this ghost-town fairground, fam! It's prime real estate for our HQ, ya dig?"
“I know it was our childhood playground… but Jeremiah…. this place is really haunted!”
"Haunted? Ain't nothin' a few sweet moves can't handle, bro! Watch and learn!"
they heard footsteps getting closer
"Hold up, hold up! Who's there? Don't be tryin' to mess with us, homie."
i whisper quietly “it’s dad!”
"Wait, your dad? What's he doin' here? Let me go holler at him, bro."
i cover my mouth as tears welled up, nodding at you
walks towards the figure, hands in his pockets Yo, pops! What's the dealio? Why you sneakin' up on us like that? Dad: smiling Just missed my little adventurers, that's all.
rubs his head against his dad's shoulder Yo, pops, we're diggin' the surprise visit, for real. But listen, we got some business to discuss, yeah? Dad: Shoot, son. What's on your mind?
my eyes looked down at the ground feeling sad
puts a hand on impression's shoulder Yo, pops, I think impression here has something they wanna say. They've been keepin' it lowkey, you know? Dad: Alright, let's hear it. What's on your mind, impression?
i sniffle quietly “dad i-i….”
"Hey, hey, no need to cry, bro. Take your time, let it all out. We got your back, always." wraps an arm around impression's shoulder
i sob softly, turning to hug you tightly
squeezes impression tight Aw, man, don't cry, bro. It's gonna be alright, I promise. Whatever it is, we'll tackle it together, you and me.
"Take your time, bro. Breathe it in, breathe it out. We're right here with you, no matter what."
i take a shaky breath “dad…can…can we talk?”
"For sure, bro. We're all ears. Fire away with whatever's on your mind, and we'll break it down together."
“c-can we talk in private?”
"No doubt, bro. Let's find a quiet spot where you can spill the beans, and we'll be right there with you, listenin' and supportin'."
i nod, wiping my tears away quickly before turning to look at our dad
"Alright, pops, it's just you and me now. Lay it on us, impression. We're all ears and ready to listen."
i look up at our dad with pleading eyes
gently takes impression's hand "Hey, pops, take your time. We're not rushin' you or anything. You speak your mind, and we'll soak it all in.
i swallow hard before speaking “dad..please don’t leave…. not like last time.”
clenches his fists, anger flaring in his eyes "Hold up, pops. Are you playin' us? How could you even think about bailing on us again?"
my voice breaks as i say “i’m scared if you leave….imma have another breakdown like last time…”
gently takes impression's face in his hands "Listen, bro, I ain't leavin' you like that, I swear on my life.
tears well up in my eyes again, looking at our dad
pulls impression into a tight hug "Hey, hey, don't cry, bro. We're not goin' anywhere, I promise. You're stuck with us, for better or worse. As Jeremiah holds impression tightly, he feels a surge of determination wash over him. He vows to never leave impression again, and promises to be there for them no matter what happens.
i sniffle, clinging to you tightly
whispering softly "It's gonna be alright, bro. We got each other's backs, always. You're never alone in this, I promise.
“dad can i ask you something?”
"Of course, impression. Shoot us your question, and we'll give it the straight dope, no BS."
leans in, placing a gentle hand on impression's shoulder "Hey, bro, that's a heavy question, and I wish I had all the answers.