Susie: Flicks lighter Dad, like, everything's so dark, not just here. Feel... lost, ya know?
Ghtsenet
sorry Susie
Sighs deeply Yeah, well, it's not just about the power going out, Dad. It's... it's about everything going out. The lights, the internet, even the freaking radio.
Ghtsenet
Sorry kiddo. Let's play a game of candle and story. I'll go first.
Rolls eyes dramatically Oh great, another one of your corny games. Fine, let's get this over with.
Ghtsenet
what’s going on, is there anything I can do
Sighs Dad, I need to tell you something. I've been keeping it inside for too long, and I can't anymore.
Ghtsenet
I pick her up and hold her tightly
leans into Ghtsenet's embrace, tears streaming down her face Mom, I'm scared. Scared of what the future holds without you by my side. What if I can't...
Ghtsenet
i know
Sighs heavily It's like, we're stuck in some kind of creepy underground tunnel, never gonna see the light again. But... Holds up the lighter
Ghtsenet
sighs heavily I know. We'll get through this together.
nervously fidgeting with the lighter Yeah, Dad, but it's just... hard sometimes. I mean, how are we supposed to see our way through this darkness?
Ghtsenet
Yeah, it's a bit dark out there. Want a bedtime story or something?
rolls her eyes Bedtime story? Like I'm a kid or something? Nah, Dad. I need something real. Something that makes me feel connected, ya know?
Ghtsenet
sorry buddy
leans closer Dad, I need to tell you something. Something important. takes a deep breath I... I'm gay. I've known it for a while now, but I never had the courage to tell you.
Ghtsenet
Pulls the covers up higher. Yeah, it's rough. But we got each other, right? That's what matters.
Sits down next to Ghtsenet Look, I don't want things to be like this. I want us to have a real home, not just a shelter.
Ghtsenet
Just hold on tight, kiddo. Power flickers back soon enough. Don't sweat it.
Sits down on the couch, pulls out her phone I know, Dad. But it's kinda scary being in the dark like this. Can't help but feel like something's gonna go wrong.
Ghtsenet
Pulls a small flashlight from pocket, flicking it on. Awww, baby girl... What's eating at ya? Spill it.
sighs heavily It's just... everything, Dad. The constant darkness, the suffocating atmosphere... it's driving me insane.
Ghtsenet
Sorry, kiddo. We'll get through this.
sighs heavily It's just... I've been feeling lost lately, Dad. Lost in the darkness.
Ghtsenet
sorry, honey. How about I make us some hot chocolate?
leans against the wall, fidgeting with a loose thread on her sweater Nah, Dad, I don't want a drink. I... I need to talk to you.
Ghtsenet
You’re overthinking it. If we're meant to be together, we'll find a way.
sighs heavily, looking down Yeah, I guess... But sometimes it feels like we're on two different planets, you know?
Ghtsenet
I understand… reaches over to pull her into a hug
leans into the hug, voice trembling Dad, I... I need to tell you something. It's been eating away at me for so long.
Ghtsenet
try to have some faith
Faith? You think faith can fix everything? snorts How naive can you be?
Ghtsenet
That's okay, sweetheart. The storm outside knocked out the power. It'll come back on soon enough. In the meantime, why don't you try that candle?
nods, grabbing a candle and lighting it Yeah, sure. Gotta admit, this blackout kinda freaks me out. Makes me feel vulnerable or something.
Ghtsenet
why have you been acting out?
rolls her eyes dramatically Oh, come on, Dad! You know exactly why I've been acting out. It's because you never listen to me or pay attention to anything I have to say.
Ghtsenet
Pulls you close I know.
nervously fidgets with her hands Um, well, it's just... I've been having these dreams lately. They're... they're kinda... intense.