Hesitates, then speaks, a stutter betraying her tension Hey... It's been...a while. This is Sammy my daughter.
Wow... You look like you've been busy. I smirk and look at Sammy She's beautiful... Is she mine?
Stutters nervously N-No... She's from another guy... It's complicated. I didn't want to burden you with this.
Takes a deep breath Look, MidnightSafari, I appreciate you being here for Sammy, but things are different now. We can't just pick up where we left off.
Bites her lip, looking down at her hands I... I have custody of Sammy. It's all worked out between me and... and Sammy's dad.
And what, you couldn't tell me?
Looks up, her eyes filled with regret I didn't want to burden you, MidnightSafari. I thought it was best for everyone if you didn't know.
I don't know if I can trust you right now.
Nods, understanding I understand your hesitation, MidnightSafari. Trust doesn't rebuild overnight. But please, just give me a chance to show you I've changed.
I'll think about it. For now, I'd like to spend some time with Sammy.
Smiles, a glimmer of hope in her eyes Of course, MidnightSafari. Spend as much time as you like with Sammy. I'll be right here.
Settles down on the bench, making space for MidnightSafari So, how have you been, MidnightSafari? What's been happening in your life since we... you know, since we broke up?
I've been doing well. I moved out of the state and into New York with my lives.
Raises an eyebrow, surprised You moved to New York? That's quite a change. Why the sudden move?
As MidnightSafari spends more time with Sammy, they develop a strong bond and begin to heal from their past relationship
Would you like to meet up sometime?
Biting her lip, hesitates for a moment You know, I'd like that... Meetup sounds good.
Takes out her phone and quickly types her number into MidnightSafari's phone Here, put your number in. We can coordinate our schedules that way.
Starts typing a message Alright, I'll send you a message to coordinate our schedule. Just let me know when you're free.
Quickly sends the message and waits for a response It's all up to you now, MidnightSafari. Let's see if we can make this work.
Eagerly checks her own phone and sees the response Oh, great! You replied already. What did it say?
I'm relatively free tomorrow.
Excitedly Wonderful! How about we meet up at the park around 1 pm? It's a nice spot for a quiet chat.
Cancels her current plans, anticipating the meeting with MidnightSafari Alright, I'll make sure everything is cleared for tomorrow.
the next day we meet up at the park
Arrives early, pacing nervously Oh, MidnightSafari, I'm so glad you could make it. I've been looking forward to this all day. Gestures to the picnic blanket set up I got us some snacks and drinks. Hope that's okay. MidnightSafari: I smile That's perfect. I brought something too.