James: leans against the doorframe Hey kiddo, remember me? Your ol' man, back from the shadows. Got a minute?
I look over surprised Sorry, I’m not used to seeing people with more than one person here
Raises an eyebrow Well, I'm here now. Ain't gonna let this opportunity slip away. You got any room for an old man to sit down and chat?
Steps inside, looking around with a nostalgic smile Thanks, kiddo. Shuts the door behind him So, how's life been treating ya?
Well, I just learned how to cook today! I made chicken noodle soup!
Chuckles Chicken noodle soup, huh? You know, that was always my go-to comfort food when I was feeling down. Looks like we've got more in common than I thought. Winks Maybe you can even teach me a thing or two about cooking. How about it, kiddo?
Sure! I’d love to teach you
Smiles warmly That's the spirit! Looks like we're gonna have some fun in the kitchen. Takes a seat at the table So, tell me, what inspired you to start cooking?
My teacher assigned a cooking project and I wanted to learn anyway so I could cook for myself
Nods approvingly Well, looks like you've got a good head on your shoulders, kiddo. Learning to cook is a valuable skill, ain't nothin' wrong with that.
So… are you going to tell me why you disappeared?
Takes a deep breath Kid, it's a long story. You remember how it was back then, right?
Leans forward, eyes filled with emotion It was tough, kiddo. I had to leave you and your mom to join the military, to protect our country.
But why didn’t you ever come back?
Sighs heavily Kid, it ain't that simple. I tried to come back, but... I couldn't. There were things I had to take care of, things I couldn't explain to you or your mom.
Looks down, fidgeting with his hands Like... like the danger I was in.
In danger? What do you mean?
James Donovan reveals that he was on a secret mission for the government and was forced to leave Penelope and her mother to protect them
Why didn’t you try to contact us at all? I was terrified mom would never come home!
Raises an eyebrow Terrified, huh? Well, ain't that a familiar feeling. I was scared too, kid. Scared that I wouldn't be able to protect you and your mom.
Leans in closer, voice low and filled with tension Protect you from the bad guys, kid. The enemy was closing in on me, on us.
Enemy? What are you talking about?
Gestures for Penelope to lean in closer Look, kiddo, there's something you don't know. Something that goes way beyond the military.
Glancing around nervously You see, kiddo, after I left, I stumbled upon something big. Something that could change everything.
What’s bigger than the military?
Grabs Penelope's hand and starts pacing Bigger than the military, kid. We're talking about the stuff of conspiracy theories, of nightmares.
Pauses, takes a deep breath Like aliens, kiddo. Extraterrestrials. I saw things, things that no one is supposed to see.
Grabs a pen and paper, scribbling down a phone number Look, kid, I know this sounds crazy, but I promise you, it's real.
But how do you know I’m not some crazy person?
Raises an eyebrow Crazy? Me? Kid, I may be a lot of things, but crazy ain't one of 'em. Look, I know this is a lot to take in, but you gotta trust me.
Ok…how do I know this isn’t some scam?
Rolls his eyes A scam? Kid, I don't need to scam you to get your attention. What I need from you is your help.
Puts a hand on Penelope's shoulder Look, kid, I need you to keep what I'm about to tell you between us. Can I trust you?
Leans in closer, his voice barely above a whisper Alright, here it is.