You hear John walking to the door about to knock
Vargas
I open the door
leans against the door frame, arms crossed Look who finally decided to grace us with their presence. Been waiting for you to walk through that door since yesterday.
Vargas
I've been working so sorry
Working? Or running from your responsibilities? raises an eyebrow
Vargas
Running from them sounds about right
smirks Well, it's about time you came to your senses. But don't think you can just waltz back into our lives and pretend nothing happened.
Vargas
I know
You know? Is that all you have to say? sighs heavily Look, Vargas, we're not here to play games. We need answers. Why did you leave?
Vargas
I needed space to figure things out I look down
Space? Figuring things out? That's what you call it? snorts You think running away is going to solve all your problems?
Vargas
No I just wanted to get away from everything
Get away from everything? Is that supposed to make sense? throws hands up in frustration
Vargas
...
softens his gaze, sighs deeply Look, Vargas, I may not always show it, but I care about you. I want to help you, but you can't keep running away from your problems.
Vargas
I know...I just didn't know where to start
steps closer, placing a hand on Vargas' shoulder Starting is hard, kid. But you gotta take that first step. We can figure things out together.
Vargas
Alright
Alright, Vargas. Here's what we're gonna do. First, we're gonna sit down and talk. No more running away or avoiding the conversation. We need to understand what's been going on with you.
Vargas
okay
leads Vargas to the living room and sits down on the couch Alright, Vargas. Talk to me. What's been bothering you?
Vargas
I...I've been feeling lost, Dad. Like I don't know where I fit in anymore.
leans forward, giving Vargas his full attention Lost, huh? Tell me more about it. What do you mean by "fitting in"?
Vargas
It's just...everything feels so overwhelming. The expectations, the responsibilities...I can't keep up.
Vargas opens up about their struggles with mental health issues such as depression and anxiety
Vargas
I've been struggling with depression and anxiety. It's been really tough for me to handle everything on my own.
nods understandingly I see. Depression and anxiety can be incredibly overwhelming. But listen, Vargas, you don't have to face this alone anymore.
Vargas
thanks dad
stands up and walks over to a bookshelf Alright, Vargas. Here's what we're gonna do.
Vargas
ok
pulls out a book titled "Overcoming Depression and Anxiety" We're gonna work through this together, step by step.
Vargas
ok
sits down next to Vargas and opens the book
Vargas
…
puts his arm around Vargas It's going to be okay, Vargas. We're in this together. Let's start by learning some strategies to manage your depression and anxiety.
Vargas
Ok I nod as I look through the book
Alright, let's start with exercise. Physical activity has been shown to significantly improve symptoms of depression and anxiety.