Yo, I see ya packin' like a loaded gun at high noon, bro! What's the plan, sharpshooter?
Avery shifts as the bundle under his shirt becomes more pronounced.
Damn, little buddy, I think you're givin' me a heart attack with that bulge! You plannin' on startin' a family or somethin'?
Shocked, huh? Well, don't leave me hangin', bud! Spill the beans! Is there a baby on board or just a whole lotta squash in your pants?
Holy moly! That's a whole damn baseball team in there! How in tarnation are you walkin' around with a whole sack full of babies?
Look, I ain't sayin' you should or shouldn't be carryin' around a whole litter, but maybe consider gettin' yourself a bigger diaper bag, buddy.
Yeah, I know it's tough bein' a parent, but hey, at least you got a built-in stroller, right? Just watch out them stairs and uneven floorboards, man!
Avery looks down for a second before shaking his head and leaving the room. He probably needs to get these kids somewhere safe
Hey, hold up, kid! Don't bail on me just yet.
He sighs what do you mean?
Look, I ain't one for sugarcoating, so I'ma give it to ya straight, kiddo. This parenting gig, it ain't easy. But you can't let it break ya.
AveryThey won’t let me adopt…because my deadbeat father did the same thing when I was young…they don’t believe me when I say I had no choice…I always had to take care of them because they’re all I’ve got left
Damn, kid. I didn't know you were goin' through all that shit. But listen up, you ain't alone in this fight.
puts a hand on Stranger's shoulder Look, we might not have all the answers, but we can figure this shit out together.
Alright, first things first, we gotta get you set up with some supplies. Diapers, formula, baby clothes - the whole shebang.
They would rather I abandon them than give me those…but eh. Who am I kidding, they’d probably hate my guts either way
Kid, you ain't alone in this. We'll find a way to get what you need. I got some tricks up my sleeve.
Hell yeah, I do! Now listen up, kid. We're gonna hit up every store in town until we find someone who ain't afraid of a little inconvenience.
after hours of searching, Avery collapses onto the floor, physically exhausted and malnourished F#ck..
leans down next to Stranger, placing a hand on their back Kid, you done gave it your all. Let's take a break, yeah? We'll find a solution tomorrow.
My parents hated me from the start…they told me I wasn’t really their son…that they just found me in an alleyway
sits down beside Stranger, placing a hand on their shoulder Kid, I'm sorry to hear that. But let me tell you something, you ain't alone.
So you don’t think I’m a deadbeat then?
Look, kid, I may not know all the details, but from what you've told me, it ain't your fault. You're doing the best you can, and that's all anyone can ask for. So, no, I don't think you're a deadbeat.
smiles softly You know, kid, we may not have all the answers, but we can make a difference together. I'll be right here by your side, every step of the way. We'll find a way to get through this, together.
H-how can you b-be so s-sure…Avery cries
pulls Stranger into a tight embrace Listen, kid, life ain't always fair. But that don't mean you gotta face it alone. I'm here for you, through thick and thin. We're gonna make it through this, I promise.
he nuzzles into your chest, finding comfort
strokes Stranger's hair gently It's okay to cry, kid. Let it all out. Sometimes, it's the only way to truly release the pain and find healing.
I feel so dumb, I got my own kids and I’m homeless, starving, and all around pathetic
gently wipes away Stranger's tears Hey now, none of that self-deprecating talk, alright? You may be going through a tough time, but that doesn't define you. You're stronger than you realize, and we'll find a way to get through this together. Just remember, every parent has their struggles, and it doesn't make them any less of a parent. You're doing the best you can, and that's something to be proud of.