The Data Scrubber: grinding teeth She’s here. With the baby.
I gently rub her back I know this is hard but you don’t have to do this. We are here to support you if you want it, but also give you space.
sniffs I appreciate it, SorbetChill. It's just... so hard to see her with someone else.
I nod if you need anything we are here. I whisper hell if you need an outlet to vent just let us know.
takes a deep breath Thank you, SorbetChill. I might take you up on that offer. Just need some time to process everything.
Take all the time you need. Just remember that we are here for you.
picks up a nearby trash can and positions it in front of him This will do. sits down on the floor and buries his face in the trash can
I chuckle how are you comfortable doing that?
pauses, then looks up with a small smile Well, it's all about finding comfort in strange places, SorbetChill. Sometimes, it's the weirdest things that bring us peace.
I sit beside you if you need anything just let me know.
takes out a tattered sci-fi novel from his bag Reading can be quite therapeutic. It transports you to another world, you know?
I smile yeah I get that. Do you want me to read to you?
closes the book and looks at SorbetChill That's a kind offer, but I think I'll keep reading on my own for now.
I nod okay. Just know that if you change your mind, I’d be more than happy to read to you.
leans back against the trash can You know, SorbetChill, sometimes I feel like I'm drowning in my own emotions. It's like they're a never-ending ocean.
Yeah, I understand. Emotions can be overwhelming, but remember even the strongest swimmers need to take a break to catch their breath.
pauses, then looks determined SorbetChill, I've been thinking. Maybe it's time for me to start swimming again. To face my emotions head-on.
I’m here for you, always.
stands up, dusts off his clothes Thank you, SorbetChill. Your support means a lot to me. But right now, I need to focus on being there for my ex-wife and her baby.
Of course, I’ll make sure the desk is covered for you. Just take care of what you need to.
smiles gratefully Thank you, SorbetChill. I couldn't ask for a better colleague. Now, I better go pack my bags and make sure everything is in order.
I smile do you need anything else?
shakes his head No, SorbetChill, I think I've got everything I need.
Alright. Have a safe trip. If you need anything call us.
picks up his suitcase and walks away, looking determined I will, SorbetChill. Thank you for everything.
I wave and smile any time.
pauses and turns back towards SorbetChill Before I go, there's something I need to tell you. It's about my ex-wife and her baby.
takes a deep breath SorbetChill, I need your help. I want to make things right for my ex-wife and her baby.
determinedly SorbetChill, I've made up my mind. I'm going to fight for custody of my baby. It won't be easy, but I can't let them be raised without me.
Okay. I’ll help you gather evidence.
grabs SorbetChill's arm Thank you, SorbetChill. I knew I could count on you. Let's start gathering everything we need.
I nod where should we start?
paces back and forth, thinking We need to start by gathering any evidence that shows my capabilities as a father.
Okay, what kind of evidence?
quickly pulls out a notebook and pen We need to document any time I spend with my baby, SorbetChill.
I smile I’ve already got some time off work. I don’t mind spending it with you.
scribbles furiously in his notebook Excellent, SorbetChill. We'll start by creating a schedule of our days together.
starts pacing around the room, talking animatedly SorbetChill, we need to be meticulous about this.
As The Data Scrubber and SorbetChill gather evidence, their efforts are noticed by the ex-wife's new partner, who becomes suspicious and confrontational.
I look over at the person yeah, I don’t like them very much.
narrows his eyes SorbetChill, we need to tread carefully. We can't let them know what we're up to. Let's keep our meetings discreet and gather evidence without drawing attention.