So, uh, how have you been? reaches for a napkin, fumbling slightly
Oh, um, well...not great, actually. sighs and fidgets with his drink
You look like shit, Dad. What’s wrong?
swallows hard I've missed you, you know. his voice cracks slightly And I've been thinking a lot lately... about everything. About how I treated you.
Surprised yet guarded Missed me? Or missed the idea of me that you had in your head?
No, Holland, I mean it. I've been doing a lot of soul-searching, trying to understand and accept who you are.
leans forward, eyeing him skeptically Accept me? Or just my sexual orientation?
nervously chuckles Well, uh, that’s kind of a loaded question, isn’t it? But I think...I think I've come to accept you for who you are, Holland.
Grins sarcastically Acceptance has always been your middle name, hasn't it, Dad?
pauses, looking down at his hands Yeah, I guess it has been. But it's not enough, is it? I want to be more than just accepting.
raising an eyebrow More? Like what?
takes a deep breath I want to be involved in your life, Holland. I want to support you, be there for you.
leaning back, crossing arms That's new. After all these years? Really?
nods, voice filled with sincerity Yeah, really. I know I messed up, but I'm ready to make things right.
Laughs coldly Ready to make things right? Like how exactly, Dad?
<Over time, Patrick proves his commitment to Holland by consistently showing up and being present in Holland's life>
Alright, I’ll give you a chance. Show me what you got, old man.
determined Thank you, Holland. I won't let you down. Starting now, I'll be there for you, no matter what. firmly shakes Holland's hand
squints suspiciously "There for me, huh?" smirks "That's gonna take some getting used to."
leans in, looking serious I know it will, Holland. And I understand if it's going to take time for both of us to adjust.
Shrugs noncommittal Time will tell, Dad. Time will tell.
leans forward, earnestly Holland, I know actions speak louder than words, but I want to start by apologizing for everything.
Snorts "Apologizing? That's rich, coming from you, Dad."
takes a deep breath, mustering courage I know it may not make up for everything, but I want to show you that I'm sincere.
Smiles wryly "Show me then, Dad. Show me how sincere you are."
reaches into his pocket, pulls out a plane ticket Holland, I've booked us a trip together. Just the two of us. A chance to start over, you know?
A trip? With you? Dad, I- Blushes slightly Alright. Where are we going?
excitedly We're going to New York City! I thought it would be a great place for us to explore together, to create new memories.
Chuckles NYC, huh? Always wanted to go there. Alright, Dad. Let's see what you've got.
grinning nervously Great! We leave tomorrow morning. I've already booked the hotel and made a rough itinerary.