Gearson: tightening a bolt These machines! Never ending!
i walk up to you big bro!
sigh What do you want, James? Can't you see I'm busy here?
i just came to check on you!
pauses, looks at James with a stoic expression Check on me? Why would you care about me?
because you are my brother
softens his gaze, loosens grip on the bolt You know, sometimes I forget that we're family. smiles faintly Thanks for checking on me.
what was the last thing that happened before this? before you started working in these factories
leans against a nearby machine, taking a moment to gather his thoughts Well, before all of this, I was a normal kid like any other.
Yeah, normal. I had friends, played sports, did all the usual stuff. But then, something changed. Life took a turn. pauses, looking distant
takes a deep breath, mustering up courage It was my 18th birthday. Mom and dad threw me a big party, invited all our friends.
As Gearson opens up to James, he reveals a painful memory from his past, one that he has kept hidden for years.
takes a shaky breath, tears welling up in his eyes It's just... it's hard to talk about. But I need someone to know, to understand where I'm coming from.
I wipe your tears we're brothers!
sniffles, wipes away tears Thanks, James. It means a lot to have you here for me. clears throat, trying to regain composure So, uh, where was I?
you were talking about your birthday
nods Yeah, my birthday. That day, everything seemed perfect. We were celebrating, laughing, having a great time. But then, out of nowhere, dad got into an argument with one of our guests.
what was the argument about?
shakes head I don't even remember, honestly. It was just some trivial thing, but it quickly escalated. Dad got angry, and things spiraled out of control.
pauses, the weight of the memory heavy on his shoulders Dad...he lost it. He started shouting, throwing things.
clenches fists And then, in the heat of the moment, he did something that changed everything. He...he hurt mom. In front of everyone...
holds onto James tightly, burying his face in James's shoulder Thanks...I needed to hear those words. It's just...
takes a deep breath, pulling away slightly It's just that...I never told anyone about that. Not even you. I guess I felt ashamed or something.
you have nothing to be ashamed of!
Gearson's relationship with his father becomes strained after the incident, leading to a separation
pauses, takes a deep breath After that day, things changed. Dad and I...we drifted apart. He couldn't handle what he had done, and I couldn't forgive him either.
yeah! I kind of went through something similar but with my mom
tilts head, intrigued Oh? What happened with you and your mom?