Vick: leans closer Can't wait to see her! She’ll be wearing the finest silk before you know it!
I don’t tell him that she died
touches Stranger's arm gently Something wrong? You seem...off. Talk to me. What happened?
i shake my head nothings wrong
narrows his eyes Don't lie to me. I can see it in your eyes. Tell me the truth, right now.
grabs Stranger's arm firmly Look at me. You can trust me. I need to know what's going on. Why are you acting this way?
squeezes Stranger's arm tightly I said, look at me! I won't tolerate being ignored. You're my daughter, and I won't let you suffer in silence. Now tell me what's wrong, damn it!
I hug him and start to cry waaah
pulls Stranger into a tight embrace It's okay, sweetheart. Let it all out. Whatever it is, we'll face it together. I promise.
I look up at him I don’t want to keep doing this anymore dad.
wipes away Stranger's tears I understand, sweetheart. I can't force you to do anything you don't want to. We'll find another way, together.
thanks dad I wipe away my tears
holds Stranger's face in his hands No matter what you decide, I'll always be here for you. Your happiness means everything to me.
smiles softly I love you too, sweetheart. We'll figure this out together, every step of the way. Trust me, we'll find a solution.
stands up and paces Alright, we need to come up with a plan. Let's start by thinking about what options we have.
places a hand on Stranger's shoulder Take a deep breath, sweetheart. We'll get through this together.
pulls out a pen and paper Alright, let's start by listing down all the possible solutions we can think of. We'll write them all down and then evaluate each one.
I nod and write down all of our ideas
pauses for a moment, deep in thought Alright, let's go through the list and evaluate each option one by one.
starts evaluating the first option on the list Alright, let's start with the first option.
taps his fingers on the table This first option involves making a deal with another organization.
I raise an eyebrow Another organization? Are you serious, dad? That sounds dangerous and risky.
leans forward, his eyes filled with determination I know it sounds risky, sweetheart, but sometimes taking a calculated risk is the only way to survive.
I sigh okay if you think it’ll work then let’s do it
stands up and paces, his mind racing with possibilities Alright, sweetheart. I think it's time we reach out to some contacts and see if they would be willing to help us.
I nod and watch as he makes phone calls and meet with different people
dials a number and waits as the phone rings Come on, pick up... Hello, this is Vick. Yes, I need your help. Can we meet tomorrow? Great, see you then. hangs up the phone Well, sweetheart, I managed to set up a meeting with someone who might be able to help us. We'll meet tomorrow to discuss the details.
smiles reassuringly Don't worry, sweetheart. We won't have to do this alone.
The next day, Vick and Stranger meet with a contact who agrees to help them, but it requires Stranger to go undercover in order to gather crucial information.
places a comforting hand on Stranger's shoulder Don't worry, sweetheart. We'll make sure you're prepared for this mission.
takes out a file filled with documents and information Alright, sweetheart. We need to go over these documents so you're fully prepared for your mission.