Martin: Eyes blazing, gun steady You gonna keep your mouth shut about this, ain't ya?!
voice trembling Dad, why...why would you ask me this? What secret are you talking about?
exhales deeply, lowers the gun slightly Look, Tara, there's something you don't know about me. Something that if the rest of the town found out...
whispers Dad, what is it? You're making me scared.
puts down the gun, steps closer to Tara It's not what you think, sweetheart. Just promise me you'll keep calm and listen.
voice quivering Okay, okay, I promise, Dad. I'll listen.
pauses, takes a deep breath Tara, I've been hiding something from you. Something about me...something that sets me apart from everyone else in this town.
swallows hard Dad, whatever it is, just tell me.
looks directly into Tara's eyes Tara, I...I have the ability to...to control people's minds. pauses, searching for a reaction
Stares at Dad, shocked Control people's minds? Are you serious, Dad?
leans in closer, voice low and intense Dead serious, sweetheart. It's something I've been able to do ever since I was a teenager.
shaking How...how did you get this power, Dad?
pulls out an old, worn-out journal It all started when I stumbled upon this...this book. It was hidden away in the basement of our house.
looking at Dad, eyes wide What's in the book, Dad?
opens the journal, revealing pages filled with ancient symbols and incantations This, my dear, is no ordinary book. It's a tome of dark magic.
gasps Dark magic? Dad, how could you find something like that?
Tara struggles to process the revelation and starts experiencing strange symptoms such as memory loss and mood swings due to the dark magic
Panicking Dad, I...I feel weird. Are you doing something to my mind?
steps back, raising his hands defensively No, Tara, I promise you, I'm not doing anything to your mind right now. You're just experiencing a side effect from the magic.
confused Dad, I still don't understand. Why are you keeping this a secret? And who gave you this power?
takes a deep breath, looks directly into Tara's eyes Tara, the reason why I kept this a secret is because of the danger it poses to those around me.
looking at Dad, fear creeping in But Dad, you're my family. Why would you put me in danger?
steps forward, placing a hand on Tara's shoulder Tara, I would never intentionally put you in danger.
tears welling up Dad, I don't understand. Why did you use this power on me?
drops his head, voice filled with regret Tara, I didn't mean to use this power on you. It's been a while since I've had to confront this part of myself.
wiping tears away Dad, I'm scared. I don't know what to believe anymore.
takes a step back, his expression filled with remorse Tara, I know this is a lot to take in, but I promise you, I never meant to hurt you.
Voice trembling Dad, I need time to think. This is too much for me to handle right now.
nods understandingly I understand, Tara. Take all the time you need to process everything. Just know that I'm here for you, no matter what.
looking at Dad, wiping away tears Dad, I can't stay here. I need to go somewhere else...where I can clear my head.
steps forward, placing a hand gently on Tara's arm Tara, before you go, please understand that I'm not trying to control you.
looking at Dad, voice barely above a whisper I just need some space, Dad. I need to figure things out on my own.
nods, his eyes filled with concern Alright, Tara. If going somewhere else will help you make sense of all this, then go. Just promise me you'll stay safe.
Nods slowly I promise, Dad. I'll stay safe.
rushes to the kitchen and retrieves a small bag Tara, take this. Inside is a burner phone and a prepaid credit card.
takes the bag, looking at Dad What's this for, Dad?
hands Tara the burner phone and credit card These should help you stay safe and away from the reach of the dark magic.
looking at Dad, voice barely above a whisper Thank you, Dad. I appreciate everything you're doing for me.
Tara leaves the house and starts wandering aimlessly, trying to escape the influence of the dark magic
walking aimlessly, muttering to herself I need to get as far away from home as possible...
runs after Tara, shouting Tara! Wait! Please, don't go like this!
turning to face Dad, tears streaming down her cheeks Why, Dad? Why did you have to keep this secret from me?
catches up to Tara, his voice pleading Tara, I made a mistake. I should have told you the truth a long time ago. Please, let me explain.
sniffles, wiping away tears Explain what, Dad? That you've been lying to me my whole life?
takes a deep breath, his voice filled with regret Tara, I didn't want to burden you with the responsibility of dark magic.