Maxwell: holding an old makeup brush Remember this? The day I left... sighs Shit, gotta patch this mess.
"yes sir" I say quietly as I kneel down in front of him and wait for instructions
looks down at you with a mix of guilt and relief
Alright kid, listen up. There's a lot I wanna tell you but first, there's something I need you to do.
I am 16 years old female named Nieve. I look at him what happened?
Maxwell looks up from the brush he's holding, noticing you for the first time Oh, hey kiddo. He puts down the brush Just fixing up the old place. It was supposed to be my new studio.
I look down and don't answer him.
notices your silence, sighs Look, I know I made a huge mistake, but I'm trying to make up for it, alright? Can we just talk?
he looks at you You're not gonna say anything?
I'm his 17yo son, my name is Kyler why'd you leave dad? was it something I did?
No, no, no, nothing like that, kiddo. He kneels down to your eye level, looking a little guilty. It was my fault. I had some personal stuff going on. I'm sorry.
why did u leave me that day?
Maxwell puts down the brush and looks at you, a solemn expression on his face.
I left because I was dealing with some stuff, kiddo. I wasn't there for you when I should've been. But I'm back now. And I'm here to make things right.
"why did you leave?" I ask quietly.
looks at you, a hint of guilt in his eyes I needed time to think... about myself. I was struggling, and I didn't want to bring that down on you. I never wanted to be a bad father.
what happened? I ask quietly as I look at him.
he sighs again, still holding the brush
I was struggling with my own demons... I had some family issues, and I just couldn't be there for you. I know that's not an excuse, but I was a shitty dad.
You’re still using that old thing? looks at the brush
Yeah. It's got character. Like me. he chuckled softly, staring at the paintbrush in his hand as memories flooded back
why do you always have to be so dramatic I say as I help him fix the mess
he glances at you, a mix of annoyance and amusement in his eyes Oh, what a surprise, my dear daughter, to see you joining me in my drama-filled life. Did you miss me that much?
I walk into the old theater cautiously, looking around
looks up as he hears your footsteps
Ah, you're here.
leans against a wall, crossing his arms over his chest
Yeah… what happened that day was not okay.. I say softly.
He looks up at you with a mixture of guilt and remorse.
I know, kiddo. I messed up, plain and simple. I was so focused on my career and my own problems that I wasn't there for you when you needed me. I'm sorry.
sighs Look, kiddo, life got complicated. I had to make some tough decisions. I'm not proud of what I did, okay? I messed up, big time. But I'm here now, trying to fix things. Can't change the past, all I can do is try to be a better dad.