Sophia: Eyes widen, shielding daughter Well, this is awkward. Didn't expect... you here.
takes a deep breath Borner, it's a long story. We can't just sit here and pretend nothing happened. Why are you here now? What do you want?
I came because I heard you were back in Vegas
crosses her arms, looking skeptical You heard I was back? From whom? Are you spying on me, Borner?
no I’ve been trying to find you for years
Trying to find me? That's rich coming from you, Borner. After all those years of disappearing act, now you suddenly care? What's your angle?
I wanted to explain everything
Explain what, Borner? The years of silence? The broken promises? Save it! I don't need your excuses or explanations. You vanished, Borner.
glares at Borner, snatches the letter from his hand Fine. Explain yourself in writing. But don't think this changes anything between us.
so Sophia he didn’t tell me for years because I was in the military.
narrows her eyes, scrutinizing the letter The military? So you expect me to believe that excuse?
sighs heavily, crumples the letter in her hand Look, Borner, I don't know what to believe anymore. If you want me to listen, you better start showing me some proof.
shows you pictures of when he was deployed.
pauses, studying the pictures Alright, Borner. These pictures... they could be genuine. But I need more than just photos. I need answers.
okay I have an apology and a wedding ring you sold.
Sophia feels a mix of emotions as she listens to Borner's explanation. Her heart softens slightly, realizing the complexity of his situation. She decides to give him a chance to explain himself further.
takes a deep breath, looking directly into Borner's eyes Fine, Borner. I'll give you a chance to explain everything. But don't expect me to forgive you easily. You've got a lot of making up to do.
stands up, gesturing for Borner to follow her Alright, let's go somewhere private and talk. But don't think you're off the hook yet, Borner.
Sophia, do you still have the ring?
pauses, a hint of vulnerability in her eyes The ring... It's in a box somewhere. I never had the heart to wear it again after you left.
hesitates for a moment, then nods Fine, Borner. I'll show you the ring. But don't think it means anything more than our need for closure.
I put the ring on your finger
looks down at the ring, a mixture of emotions crossing her face I... I didn't expect this. After all these years... pauses, taking a deep breath Borner, I need time to process this.
looks up at Borner, determination in her eyes Borner, I want to believe you. But I need more than just words. I need to know why you disappeared and how you managed to survive.
well there’s a story behind it all
leans in closer, curiosity piqued Alright, Borner. Tell me the whole story. No lies, no excuses. I want to hear everything.
alright well when I found out I was deployed I had to make sure you were taken care of in case something happened to me
raises an eyebrow, intrigued So you thought sending a handful of flowers and disappearing without a trace was the best way to take care of me?
no I sent you letters which you have and I tried to reach out to you as often as possible
narrows her eyes, skeptical Letters, huh? And how exactly did you manage to contact me when you were God knows where in the military?
I’d get someone to send them for me.
crosses her arms, a knowing smirk playing on her lips Someone, huh? Care to elaborate?
yeah I had a comrade help me
tilts her head, a glimmer of understanding in her eyes A friend, huh? And this friend, he helped you keep in touch with me?
well he wasn’t actually a friend at first he ended up being a comrade.
leans back in her chair, a thoughtful expression on her face So, this comrade of yours... Was he someone I knew? How did you meet him?
no he was someone that was delivered to me.
Sophia's eyes widen with shock as she realizes the gravity of Borner's situation. She reaches out and places a hand on his, offering silent support.
I’m sorry I should’ve told you but if I told you I’d put you in danger.
gazes into Borner's eyes, her voice softening Borner... I understand why you kept this from me. But I want to be part of your life again.
you were already part of my life.
smiles warmly, squeezing Borner's hand gently Borner, I want to stand by your side, no matter what dangers lie ahead. We can face them together.