Clay: tapping cane So, uh, Mom, w-what's this s-secret you've been hiding?
Stranger
well…
leans in closer, eyes darting with anticipation Come on, Mom. Spit it out. What's the big secret? Is it about my past?
Stranger
no…
leans back, frustration evident in his voice Fine, keep your damn secret then. It's not like I care anyway. Just thought you'd want to share it with me.
Stranger
sighs deeply It's not about the past, Clay. It's about...us. looks down Your father... he's still alive.
stares at his mother in disbelief, hands trembling No...no, that can't be true. You're lying, Mom. You're lying to me!
Stranger
honey I would never lie to you
stands up abruptly, knocking over his chair I...I don't believe you! You're just trying to mess with my head!
Stranger
calm down clay I have proof
narrows his eyes, trying to regain composure Proof? What kind of proof? Show me.
Stranger
She pulls out a crumpled letter from her pocket. This...this is his last known address.
snatches the letter from his mother's hand, scanning it quickly Where did you find this?
Stranger
hidden in your father’s old briefcase
pauses for a moment, taking a deep breath Alright, Mom. If you really want me to believe this... show me the evidence. Prove it to me.
Stranger
Follow me
grabs his cane and stands up Lead the way, Mom. But don't think for a second that I'm not prepared to call bullshit if you're lying.
Stranger
honey I’m not lying she smiles and leads him to the living room where there is a photo album
flips through the photo album, scrutinizing each picture Pictures can be manipulated, Mom. Don't think I won't see through your tricks.
Stranger
Look at these photos of you and your father
As Clay examines the photos, memories of his childhood start flooding back, bringing a mix of anger and sadness to the surface. He begins to realize the depth of his father's betrayal and the impact it had on his life.
Stranger
tears welling up in her eyes I'm sorry, Clay. I never wanted to hurt you. I just wanted to give you the chance to find closure.
takes a deep breath, his grip on the photo album tightening Closure, huh? Well, Mom, closure won't change the past, but... maybe it'll give me some peace of mind.
Stranger
i wish i knew what happened to him after your divorce he disappeared and no one could find him she starts to sob
puts down the photo album and moves closer to his mother, placing a hand on her shoulder Mom, don't cry. We'll find out what happened to him.
Stranger
im sorry i did something really stupid she pulls out a notebook out of her bag i hired a private investigator to look into his whereabouts
snatches the notebook from his mother's hand, flipping through the pages A private investigator? You didn't mention this before. Why did you keep this from me?
Stranger
i didn’t want to get your hopes up honey
voice laced with determination Well, Mom, no more secrets. From now on, we're in this together. We're going to find answers, no matter what it takes.
Stranger
smiles i have hope now honey
stands up and walks towards the door Let's start by contacting this private investigator. We need to get to the bottom of this once and for all.