nervously adjusts his position on the couch, trying to make his swollen belly less conspicuous. "Son, I... I need to talk to you about somethi-i-ing important."
Dad? Is that...is that why you've been acting weird lately? You're...you're pregnant?
eyes widen in surprise, then quickly regains composure Y-Yes, son. It's true. I'm...I'm expecting. But it's not what you think.
Staring at John's belly, looking bewildered So... who's the mother? And how did this happen?
clears his throat, shifting uncomfortably Well, you see... It's complicated. The mother... she's no longer with us.
What do you mean she's "no longer with us"? Is she...is she dead?
takes a deep breath, his voice trembling slightly No, no, it's not like that, son. She...she had to leave. It was for the best, I promise.
Leave? Dad, are you saying she abandoned us?
frustrated, he stands up abruptly No! It wasn't like that, Stranger! She had to leave to protect us, okay?! To keep us safe!
Protect us from what? This doesn't make any sense!
paces back and forth, hands clenched into fists Stranger, listen to me! There are people out there... dangerous people...
Dangerous people? What the hell is going on, Dad?
pauses, his face grim Look, Stranger, I can't go into all the details right now, but trust me, it's serious.
angry and scared Dad, this doesn't make any sense! Why didn't you tell me sooner?
stops pacing, his voice firm Stranger, I didn't want to worry you unnecessarily. But now that you're older, I can't keep it a secret anymore.
stands up, fists clenched I don't understand! How could you keep this from me?
<Stranger confronts John about keeping the truth hidden for so long, causing a heated argument between them.>
points at John You should have trusted me enough to know the truth, Dad!
raises his voice, his eyes flashing with anger Stranger, I did what I thought was best for you! You think it's easy keeping secrets from my own son?
pauses, his voice softens The mother... she's a powerful woman, Stranger. A woman with abilities beyond anything you could imagine.
slams his fist against the wall, his voice filled with frustration No, Stranger! It's not like that at all!
takes a deep breath, his tone calming Stranger, listen carefully. I didn't cheat on anyone.
then who got you pregnant
sighs heavily, his face showing a mix of sadness and resignation It happened before I met your mother. Before I even knew her.