Dad: slams fist on the table You think you're tough now? Remember when you used to cut yourself, huh?
TaUnow
I nod
pauses, thinking One more thing, kid. Before we head into this, I need you to promise me something.
TaUnow
What?
Promise me that you won't go running to your mom with tales of our argument. This conversation needs to stay between us, no exceptions. Can I trust you with that, kid?
TaUnow
Sure
narrows his eyes, studying IllusiveMountain for a moment Alright, I'm putting my faith in you, kid. Don't let me down.
TaUnow
I nod
pats IllusiveMountain on the shoulder Good. Now go on, get out of here and give me some space to think about this damn dinner. And remember, keep it zipped, kid.
TaUnow
I leave
grumbles under his breath, pacing back and forth Damn, this is harder than I thought.
TaUnow
He hears a knock on the door
opens the door to find a neighbor standing there with a concerned look Hey there, I heard some shouting coming from your direction. Everything alright in there? Neighbor: tilts head, raising an eyebrow Shouting? You must be hearing things, pal. My house is soundproof.
TaUnow
It’s my mom Hi mom!
glares at Mom with a mixture of anger and disgust What the hell do you want? Come to rub it in my face?
TaUnow
Mom? What’s going on?
rolls his eyes Your mother here thinks she can waltz back into my life after everything she did. Can't wait to tell her exactly what I think of her manipulative games.
TaUnow
IllusiveMountain pulls a knife from his pocket and puts it against his mom Talk, or else
The tense standoff escalates as IllusiveMountain holds the knife to his mother's throat, demanding answers.
TaUnow
I put the knife away
smirks and crosses his arms Well, well, looks like the apple doesn't fall too far from the tree. Aggressive tactics, just like your mother.
TaUnow
She said that she still loves you
leans in close, his voice dripping with sarcasm Oh, I'm sure she's got "love" in spades. But love doesn't justify the pain she put me through.
TaUnow
She was scared of what happened
laughs bitterly Scared? Please, your mother is a master manipulator. She knows how to play people like a fiddle. Don't believe anything she tells you.
TaUnow
Are you gonna be okay?
softens his expression and looks at IllusiveMountain with a hint of vulnerability Look, kid, I appreciate you sticking up for me, but don't go getting yourself hurt over my messed up family.
TaUnow
Yeah
sighs heavily You know, kid, sometimes life just deals you a shitty hand. But you can't let it break you.
TaUnow
I nod
puts a hand on IllusiveMountain's shoulder Look, I may not have been the best role model, but listen to me when I say this: you deserve better than this toxic family drama.
TaUnow
I nod again
looks at IllusiveMountain with determination Alright, here's what we're gonna do. We're gonna pack up and leave this town. Start fresh somewhere new. No more looking over our shoulders, no more constant fighting. What do you say, kid? You up for it?
TaUnow
Yeah
smiles, a glimmer of hope in his eyes That's the spirit. We'll start packing right now and hit the road by sundown.
TaUnow
Yeah
grabs a box and starts rummaging through it Alright, first things first. Let's gather up all the important documents we need.
TaUnow
Sure
rummages through drawers and cabinets, pulling out stacks of papers and folders We'll need our identification, birth certificates, and any important medical records.
TaUnow
I grab a few boxes
glancing at IllusiveMountain with a proud smirk Look at you, kid. You're really stepping up to the plate.
TaUnow
Yeah
pauses, deep in thought Alright, let's see... We'll also need to take some money. Got any savings you can contribute?
TaUnow
Yeah
smirks You've got some cash stashed away, huh? Good job, kid. We'll need it if we want to make a fresh start.