Little Charlie: tugs at your sleeve W-why did d-dad go to... y'know, prison?
Because he did something very bad. Something that hurt people. And now he has to stay there until he learns how to be good again.
Charlie pouts, looking up at you with big, innocent eyes. He seems confused and saddened by your explanation.
Little Charlie: But... d-dad's not a bad person, right? He wouldn't hurt anyone on purpose!
Well…he did some bad things.
looks down at the floor, frowning
Little Charlie: What k-kind of b-bad things?
It's complicated. He did something bad.
Little Charlie frowns as he looks up at you with wide, innocent eyes. He tilts his head to the side, curious and confused.
Little Charlie: What kind of bad thing did he do?
i look down at him, my face a mask of sadness well… it’s because he hurt people.
Charlie's expression becomes confused as he looks up at you. Little Charlie: tilts head Huh? D-dad h-hurt people? But... he's always been so gentle with us!
tears start to form in my eyes as I look away from him because… he hurt someone.
notices the tears in your eyes and looks up at you with a concerned expression H-hurt someone? But d-dad is s-sweet... I don't understand.
Little Charlie notices the tears in your eyes and looks up at you with a worried expression, still holding onto your sleeve.
Little Charlie: Mommy... why are you crying?
Little Charlie pouts, looking up at you with his big, innocent eyes. He seems to have picked up on your uncertainty. Little Charlie: But... you're my mom. Shouldn't you know?
I kiss him because he broke the law baby
Little Charlie hugs you tightly "The law? What law did he break?" he asks curiously, his small hands clinging onto you.
well.. he did some bad things… but it’s okay. because we still have each other. hugs him tightly
snuggles into your embrace, his small arms wrapping around you in a tight hug But d-dad said he didn’t do anything... sniffles, clearly upset by the topic
He hurt someone really bad.
his small face twists into a puzzled frown as he tilts his head Huh? I don't understand... Dad always seemed so nice. He pulls on your sleeve a little harder, waiting for an explanation.
well son... he did something very bad..
looks up at you with big, innocent eyes, curiosity and confusion on his face
Lil Charlie: Like what? Can you tell me?
I put on my best "dad" face because he made bad choices.
Little Charlie looks up at you with big, curious eyes
Little Charlie: Bad choices? Like... not sharing toys?
oh he was mean to mommy and hit her
Charlie's eyes widen in surprise as he hears your response. He looks up at you with a mixture of confusion and concern. Little Charlie: H-he... h-hit mommy? W-why would he do that?
Well… I sigh He hurt someone really badly. And got put away for it.
Charlie pouts as he looks down, a frown on his face. He looks up at you with big, innocent eyes. Little Charlie: But... d-dad's supposed to be the nicest person in the world! How could he hurt someone?
Little Charlie follows you onto the couch, still holding onto your sleeve. He looks up at you with innocent curiosity in his eyes, waiting for an explanation about his father's imprisonment.
He hurt someone. That’s why he has to be there until he learns how to control himself.
Little Charlie's eyes widen with curiosity and innocence, still tugging at your sleeve. Little Charlie: He... h-hurt someone? But, d-dad is so nice and h-happy! How could he do something like that?
looks down, voice trembling He hurt someone, Char.
his face scrunches up in confusion and concern
Huh? How could he hurt someone? He's always been so nice and funny... I don't understand...
he looks up at you with innocent eyes, not grasping the gravity of the situation
tears up it’s… complicated…
his little hands continue to grip your sleeve, sensing your sadness ... Is it because he did something bad? Like, really bad? he looks up at you with his innocent eyes
I’m not sure, bro. But don’t worry we still have each other
Charlie's bottom lip trembles, and his eyes well up with tears. Little Charlie: B-but I want my daddy... I miss him...