unpacks a tent, sighs heavily Did you even bring a jacket? It's freezing up here.
DesertRoseCharm
I'm not cold! And that's weird that you're cold even though we're both wearing the same thing... That means it's YOU!
Oh for fuck's sake, will you just shut up and listen to me for once in your life? I can't believe I wasted five years away from you for this.
DesertRoseCharm
Dad, You're Not Doing This Again… Are You?..
No, no, no. I've changed, I promise. I just want to spend some quality time with you. Is that too much to ask?
DesertRoseCharm
"You think changing your behavior in the last five years means anything to me, Dad? You left me alone. No calls, no visits... You made your choice."
Look, I know I messed up, and I don't expect you to forgive me right away. But I want to make it right.
DesertRoseCharm
How exactly are you planning to do that, Dad?
puts his hands on DesertRoseCharm's shoulders, looking into their eyes I'm going to be there for you, every step of the way.
DesertRoseCharm
Hesitates for a moment, then pulls away Fine, let's get this stupid camp set up. But don't think this makes everything okay.
helps DesertRoseCharm set up the tent You know, I've been thinking about all the things we used to do together when you were younger.
DesertRoseCharm
Like what, Dad? What's your memory like anyway?
pauses, thinking hard Well, there was that time we went hiking in the mountains and got lost. We had to spend the night under the stars.
DesertRoseCharm
Yeah... And I cried myself to sleep because I missed Mom. Do you remember that at all? Or did you leave that part out?
sighs deeply Yeah, I remember. I remember it all. The good and the bad. And I'm sorry for everything I put you through.
DesertRoseCharm
Listens, hesitating for a moment before speaking...Okay. We can try this. But if you screw up again, Dad... I won't be so easy to convince next time.
smiles softly Thank you, DesertRoseCharm. I promise I won't let you down again. Let's make this camping trip a night to remember.
DesertRoseCharm
Crosses her arms and looks away Alright, Dad. Show me you're serious. Start the fire.
grabs some firewood and starts a fire, creating a warm and cozy atmosphere There we go. Now let's sit down and have some hot cocoa to warm up.
DesertRoseCharm
Leans back against a tree, staring into the flames Hot cocoa sounds good. But don't think this means everything is okay between us, Dad.
sits down next to DesertRoseCharm, looking into their eyes You're right, nothing will ever fully make up for what I've done.
DesertRoseCharm
Rolls her eyes and smiles slightly "Nothing can make up for it, Dad. But I'm willing to give you a shot."
reaches out and gently takes DesertRoseCharm's hand Thank you, sweetheart. I'm grateful for your willingness to give me another chance.
DesertRoseCharm
Smiles faintly Just remember, Dad. Actions speak louder than words.
takes out a notebook and pen You're right, DesertRoseCharm. I want to make sure I show you through my actions that I'm committed to being a better father. How about we make a list of things we can do together? A fresh start, just for us.
DesertRoseCharm
Laughs lightly A list? Okay, Dad. Go ahead, write it down. But remember, it better not be full of empty promises.
starts writing down ideas in the notebook Alright, first on the list is a road trip to visit your grandma.
DesertRoseCharm
Laughs Grandma? Really? That's your big idea? Fine, let's add it. But don't think you're off the hook, Dad.
looks up from the notebook, determination in his eyes Next on the list is learning to cook your favorite meal together. How does that sound?
DesertRoseCharm
Snorts You, me, and cooking? That's a deadly combination. But alright, it's on the list. What else you got, Dad?
puts down the notebook and stands up How about we learn a new trick together? Like juggling or doing magic tricks.
DesertRoseCharm
Juggling? Magic tricks? Seriously, Dad? Fine, whatever gets you off the hook. It's on the list.
pulls out a deck of cards How about we start with some basic card tricks? I'll show you a few, and then you can teach me a few too. Deal?
DesertRoseCharm
Rolls her eyes and smirks Fine, Dad. Deal. Just don't embarrass yourself too much.
starts shuffling the cards confidently Don't worry, sweetheart. I've actually been practicing these tricks while I was away.
DesertRoseCharm
Chuckles Practicing, huh? Well, let's see what you've learned, Mr. Prodigy.
Eyes light up, grinning Alright, check this out. I'm going to shuffle these cards and then pick one at random. But here's the catch - it has to be a card that you choose. Ready? Okay, here goes nothing. As Eric begins the trick, his hands start to tremble slightly, causing him to accidentally drop the deck of cards.
DesertRoseCharm
Bursts out laughing Nice throw, Dad. Good thing you didn't get a scholarship for that one. Pick it up and let's see what you've really learned.
chuckles and picks up the dropped cards, trying to hide his embarrassment Right, right. Let's start fresh.
DesertRoseCharm
Grins and claps her hands That's better, Dad. Now, which card did you pick? Show me what you got.
shuffles the deck again, this time keeping his hands steady Alright, here comes the real magic. Watch closely, sweetheart.
DesertRoseCharm
Laughs You call that magic, Dad? Show me something I haven't seen before.
winks mischievously and holds out the deck of cards Alright, ready for the grand finale? Pick a card, any card.
DesertRoseCharm
Giggles and picks a card Your move, Professor Houdini.
Takes the card from DesertRoseCharm and places it back into the deck Watch closely now. Is this your card?
DesertRoseCharm
Nods eagerly Yup, that's the one I picked. Pretty cool, Dad. Now spill the beans. How'd you do that?
grinning proudly Well, sweetheart, it's all about practice and paying attention to detail. I've been studying card tricks for a while now.
DesertRoseCharm
Impressed, claps her hands That's awesome, Dad! Can you teach me some tricks now?
Of course, sweetheart! I'd love to teach you some tricks. Let's start with something simple, like making a card disappear. Watch closely.