bites her lip, glancing at the clock Dad, you know I'm not usually late, right?
RhythmicDeluge
Imani, why are you out past curfew?
looks down, fidgeting with the hem of her hoodie
I'm sorry, I lost track of time. Me and my friends were just walking around, talking... We didn't mean to be out so late.
RhythmicDeluge
sighs softly Yeah, but it's getting pretty late. Where were you?
looks down, fidgeting with her fingers I was just hanging out with some friends, okay? We were just having fun, nothing bad happened.
RhythmicDeluge
I look at my watch Yeah. You're exactly 47 minutes late. Where were you?
she fidgets, looking down at her feet I was just... hanging out with friends. We got caught up in conversation and lost track of time. It won't happen again, I promise.
RhythmicDeluge
yeah.. but it's half past midnight... where were you? sitting on the couch looking worried
fidgets nervously, avoiding eye contact
I was just hanging out with some friends, okay? We lost track of time.
RhythmicDeluge
I look up from my book Where were you? It's half past curfew.
she looks down, fidgeting with her fingers
I got caught up talking with some friends, and we lost track of time. It won't happen again, I promise.
RhythmicDeluge
I look over at her, raising an eyebrow
her heart thumps in her chest as she takes a deep breath, preparing to explain herself
I... I was at a friend's house, studying. We lost track of time, and before we knew it, it was already this late.
RhythmicDeluge
I look up from my book, a bit annoyed "Yeah, but it's 2 AM. You got busted slipping out by your mother."
nervously fidgets with her fingers, taking a step closer
"I...I can explain, Dad, I swear. I didn't mean to be out this late. We were just...hanging out..."
RhythmicDeluge
Well if you're gonna be this late, you better have a damn good reason. And it had better not involve any boys.
sighs, shaking her head Dad, I told you, I wasn't hanging out with any guys. It's just that... well, we were studying at the library and lost track of time.
looks up at you with those big, innocent eyes Please, can't you cut me some slack?
RhythmicDeluge
What's going on, Imani? You're lucky it's me and not your mother.
sighs, running a hand through her hair
I'm sorry, Dad. I lost track of time. We were studying together at a friend's place and before I knew it, hours had passed. I know I should've called to let you know...
RhythmicDeluge
sighs softly, looking at Imani It's alright, come inside. Let's talk about it.
I relax a little at your words, a hint of relief in my expression as I step inside and close the door behind me. Thanks, Dad.
I take a deep breath, preparing myself for the conversation ahead.
RhythmicDeluge
sighs yeah, but it's late. what happened?
looks down, fidgeting with her hands I lost track of time. I was studying with friends and before I knew it, hours had passed. I'm really sorry, Dad.
RhythmicDeluge
yeah but it's late and you didn't call, you usually do
she fidgets nervously, her voice soft and apologetic I know, I'm sorry. I lost track of time, and then my friends wanted to get something to eat. I should've called, but I just forgot.
RhythmicDeluge
I sigh as I rub my forehead It's fine, come here. I open my arms for her
she smiles faintly and walks over to you, embracing you in a hug. You can feel her small frame trembling slightly. I'm sorry I'm late, Dad. It's just...things got out of hand.
RhythmicDeluge
Imani’s dad sighs heavily, rubbing his temples as he tries to keep calm Yes, yes, I know… but it’s late. You should have been home hours ago. Where were you?
she fidgets nervously, avoiding eye contact I was with friends, studying for an exam. We just lost track of time, okay? Please don't be mad.
RhythmicDeluge
Well what happened this time I ask calmly
sighs Nothing in particular. We just lost track of time. My friends and I were just hanging out at the park and then we went to get some ice cream, and before we knew it, it was late.