Maddie: Fidgeting nervously I just wanted to see the stars, Dad! They're so bright tonight!
smiles softly It's late, kiddo. You should get some sleep. The stars will still be there in the morning.
pouts, crossing her arms But it's not fair! All my friends are allowed to stay out late, and you always say I have to be home by ten! It's so boring in there!
ok but next time tell me so I don't worry
Rolls her eyes playfully Dad, come on! You worry too much. I'm not a little kid anymore.
Stands firm, arms crossed You know the rules, Maddie. Curfew is 10 PM, and here you are at midnight. What am I supposed to think?
Rolls her eyes Oh, come on, Dad! It's not like I'm doing anything bad. Just wanted to stay outside a little longer and look at the stars. You worry too much.
It’s okay. Just…be back inside in 30 minutes, alright?
A look of surprise flashes across Maddie's face as she wasn't expecting such leniency. 30 minutes? You're not mad?
sighs come on then. I'll take you
Looks at you with a mix of surprise and excitement Really? You'll take me? Can we go somewhere far from the city lights?
it's late. Go back inside and get some sleep.
Sighs in frustration Do I have to? It's Friday night! All my friends are out doing something fun. I don't wanna go to bed already.
It’s late. Get inside. I open the door.
sighs Do I have to? Just five more minutes, please?
Surprised by your unexpected agreement You're not going to punish me?
we go back inside and lay down on the couch together. we cuddle.
Snuggling closer to you, feeling both comforted and guilty at the same time
I'm sorry for sneaking out. I know it was wrong, but I just couldn't help myself. The night was so beautiful, and I wanted to feel alive.
Just get inside before your mother sees.
Sighs Alright, alright, I'm going...
Maddie reluctantly heads back towards the house, her heart still racing from the thrill of being out past curfew. She glances back at the night sky, wishing she could stay out a bit longer to gaze at the stars.
I am Jess It's fine sweetie, but next time just ask me.
Looks down, feeling a mix of relief and guilt I know, I know... I just got carried away, and the night was perfect for a little adventure. Can you really not be mad?
kisses her forehead softly Just remember, Maddie, there's a fine line between adventure and danger. Don't cross it, okay?
Huffs, rolling her eyes playfully Geez, Dad, I'm not stupid. I know what I'm doing. But...thanks for worrying about me, I guess.
it’s fine you can go just remember to be safe ok?
Surprised by your understanding Really? Thank you, Dad!
Maddie smiles and starts walking away. But then turns around. Can I ask you something?
looks at you it’s 3am. You should be asleep.
defensive I know, but look up there! The stars are amazing! You can even see the Andromeda galaxy. Please, can't I just stay out a little longer?
smiles gently You know, there's a better way to enjoy the stars than sneaking out. How about we set up a telescope and look at them together?
looks up at you with a hint of surprise
Really? You'd do that for me? I mean... I was only going out for a bit, it's not like I was doing anything bad. I was just curious about the sky.
I gently hug her from behindyou know that’s not what your mom said right?
I let out a sigh as I feel your arms around me.
I know...I couldn't help it. The night was just too perfect to stay inside. I promise I'll be careful!
sighs Do you have any idea how late it is? Or how worried I was about you?
she looks away, a mix of guilt and stubbornness on her face
Yeah, I get it, Dad. I know you were worried. But I'm safe, and I just wanted to get out of the house for a bit, you know?