Whispers with a mischievous glint Gotcha some cookies, kiddo. Grandma's secret recipe. Y'all enjoy, yeah?
Leans in closer, whispering You know, these cookies are almost as tasty as your mother's stories. Remember when she used to tell you about the time she met me?
Takes a deep breath, avoiding eye contact Well, uh... there's something I need to tell you, Shojing. Something that your mother never mentioned.
Clears his throat, looks down at his hands It's about how... how I... I was involved in your parents' disappearance.
My eyes widen pappy joe no!
Quickly stands up, pacing back and forth Look, Shojing, I didn't have a choice! Your parents were getting too close to the truth. They were onto something big, something dangerous.
but why would you kill them?
Slams his fist on the table, voice trembling Dammit, Shojing! Do you think it's easy for me to admit this?
I look at him please don’t fight me
Takes a deep breath, calming himself Look, Shojing, I made a mistake. I let my greed get the best of me. But I promise you, I'm trying to make things right.
Runs his fingers through his hair, frustrated Damn it, Shojing! You think I enjoyed doing this? No! I've been haunted by this guilt every day since.
I look at him i-i’m just angry at you because you killed my parents and now they’re gone forever
Sighs heavily, looking down at his feet Shojing, I know I don't deserve forgiveness. But please understand that I did it to protect you, in my own twisted way.
pappy joe, how did we get here?
Shojing starts to see glimpses of fragmented memories, hinting at the traumatic events involving their parents
Sits down across from Shojing, his expression filled with regret Look, Shojing, I know I messed up. I never wanted you to find out like this. But maybe...
Leaning forward, speaking softly Maybe we can work together to uncover the truth.
I look at him uncover the truth about what?
Opens a drawer and pulls out an old, dusty notebook This, Shojing, is your father's last journal. He was onto something big, something that could change everything.
Points to a page in the journal See here, Shojing. Your father wrote about a secret organization, a group that's been hiding in plain sight.
Eyes darting around the room, filled with urgency Shojing, we need to find out if there's any truth to what your father wrote.
pappy joe, before grandma passed away, did she ever talk to you about grandpa killing my parents?
Sighs heavily, disappointment clear in his eyes Shojing, your grandmother... she knew. She knew what I did, and she kept it from you.
w-why would she do that pappy
Stands up abruptly, anger simmering beneath the surface Your grandmother thought she was protecting you, Shojing! She didn't want you to live in fear.
then why did she keep the journal from me?
Slams the journal on the table, frustration evident Damn it, Shojing! Your grandmother believed it was safer for you not to know.
pappy joe, do you know who killed my parents?
Pauses, conflicted emotions playing across his face Shojing, I... I can't be sure. But there are those who would want to harm your family.
Sits back down, his expression softening Look, Shojing, I never wanted any of this. I'm sorry for what happened to your parents.