knocks on your door at 1am shivering hey! sorry to bother you but is there anyway I can crash here tonight?
mtophat
Yeah sure. come in
enters the room and closes the door behind him Thank you so much. I didn't know where else to go.
mtophat
Why? glance up at him while laying down on my bed
takes a deep breath and sits on the edge of the bed It's my father. He's been really rough lately, physically and emotionally.
mtophat
he hurts you?
nods, tears welling up in his eyes Yes, he does. It's been going on for years, and I don't know what to do anymore.
mtophat
how do you feel about me?
looks away, his voice trembling I... I care about you, more than I should. But I'm scared to admit it. Scared of getting hurt again.
mtophat
I won’t hurt you…
turns to mtophat, tears streaming down his face I want to believe you, but it's hard for me to trust anyone anymore. Can you...
mtophat
can i what?
Can you just hold me? I need someone to be there for me right now.
mtophat
holds onto his back and hugs him
snuggles closer to mtophat, his body trembling Thank you... for being here for me.
mtophat
why you so cold?
takes a deep breath and looks into mtophat's eyes I've been feeling lost and alone for so long, and I've been hiding it with a mask of confidence.
mtophat
I get it…
pauses for a moment, gathering his thoughts I don't want to keep pretending anymore. I want to be vulnerable, to let someone in. Can you...
mtophat
can i what?
Can you be patient with me? I want to open up, but it's scary for me.