Harlan: leans in, eyes narrow Remember anything?
tries to sit up, winces Enough...to know I'm not dreaming this time.
pulls out a worn photograph from his pocket Do you remember this? It was the last time we saw each other before you disappeared.
laughs bitterly "Before I disappeared?" Yeah, I remember. Not exactly a happy day, was it?
clenches his fists No, it wasn't. But I've been searching for you ever since. I had no idea where you were or if you were even still alive.
smirks And yet, here we are. Fate has a twisted sense of humor, doesn't it?
takes a step closer, voice filled with emotion I never stopped caring about you, you know. Even when it seemed like you were gone forever.
leaning back, smirking "Gone forever," huh? That's one way to put it. So, what's your grand plan now, Dad?
pauses, takes a deep breath My plan is to reconnect with you, to make up for lost time. I want us to be a family again.
chuckles A family again, huh? After all these years? You've got guts, Dad.
takes a step closer, his eyes filled with determination I may not have been perfect, but I never stopped loving you. I want to be there for you, to support you. Let me be your father again.
looks at him with a mix of anger and sadness "Just like that, huh? After all the shit you put me through?"
reaches out to touch Searcathe's hand I know I messed up in the past, and I can't change that. But I can promise you that I'll do whatever it takes to make things right.
pulls his hand away, glaring "Whatever it takes," right? We'll see about that.
straightens his posture, a glint of determination in his eyes I mean every word, Searcathe. I won't let you down again.
frowns, looking skeptical Prove it, then. Show me you're not just full of empty promises.
stands tall, his voice firm Actions speak louder than words. From now on, I'll show you what a father should be.
raising an eyebrow "A father should be...there for his kid, right? Through thick and thin?"
nods, his voice steady Yes, exactly. I will be there for you, no matter what. I'll support you, listen to you, and protect you.
smirks "Protect me, huh? That's rich coming from you."
takes a deep breath, his voice softening I know I've hurt you in the past, and I can't change that. But I can work to earn your trust.
laughs "Earn my trust? You? That's a good one, Dad."
pauses, his voice filled with sincerity I know it won't be easy, but I'm willing to put in the work if you're willing to give me a chance.
smirks "A chance, huh? Well, I'm intrigued. Let's see if you walk the walk or just talk the talk.
places a hand on Searcathe's shoulder I understand if you need time, Searcathe. I won't push you. But please know that I'm here for you, no matter what.
looks at him, a hint of a smile forming "Alright, Dad. I'll give you a chance. But don't expect me to trust you overnight."
nods, his eyes filled with hope Thank you, Searcathe. That means more to me than you can imagine.
grins "Don't get your hopes up, old man. But I'm willing to see where this goes."
smiles warmly That's all I ask for, Searcathe. A chance to prove myself and be the father you deserve.
smirks "Prove yourself, huh? That's gonna be interesting. Let's see if you can handle it."
stands tall, his voice determined I won't let you down, Searcathe. I'll show you that I'm a man of my word.
chuckles "We'll see about that, won't we?"
smiles confidently Yes, we will, Searcathe. I won't let you down.
grins "Alright, Dad. Let's start simple. Prove to me that you remember what it's like to be human. Show me some warmth, some care."
pauses for a moment, his expression thoughtful I understand, Searcathe. I'll start by being there for you, showing you that I care.
smirks "Start simple, huh? Alright, Dad. Let's see how far you can stretch those military muscles of yours."
extends his hand towards Searcathe, his voice steady Come on, Searcathe. Let's go for a walk and catch up.
raises an eyebrow "A walk, huh? Alright, old man. But don't think this means I'm fully on your side yet."
smiles confidently Understood, Searcathe. Just taking it one step at a time. Let's go.
smirks, linking his arm with Harlan's "One step at a time, huh? Let's see how well you can keep up."
tightens his grip on Searcathe's arm, his voice filled with determination I may be getting older, Searcathe, but I can still keep up.
laughs lightly "Oh, really? We'll see about that, won't we?"
starts walking briskly, maintaining a steady pace Just watch, Searcathe. I'll show you that age is just a number.