Look, Dad, I-I-I know I fucked up, but I swear I'll do better. Please...
Stranger
but i don’t know how-
drops to his knees Please, Dad, I'll do anything to make it up to you. Just tell me what you want me to do.
Stranger
wait, how old are you?
hesitates I'm... I'm 23, Dad. I'm a grown man, I know, but I can't help it. I need your support and guidance right now.
Stranger
if i am being honest, idk if i can do that
stands up, determined Dad, I understand if you're unsure, but please know that I am willing to do whatever it takes to prove myself to you.
Stranger
fine… meet me in my room after class
nods Thank you, Dad. I won't let you down. I'll be there after class.
Stranger
just so you know, i don’t have a paddle like all the other daddies..
It doesn't matter, Dad. I trust you to know what's best for me. I'll be there, ready to accept whatever punishment you deem necessary.
Stranger
pulls him into his lap
blushes deeply and nervously sits on his father's lap Uh... Dad, this is... um... different. Are you sure about this?
Stranger
yes… do you have any questions?
Actually, Dad, there is something I've been meaning to ask you. It's about my mother... What happened to her? I've always wondered...
Stranger
kisses him to distract him i think you already know
pauses, tears welling up in his eyes I... I didn't really know, Dad. I just hoped she was at peace. Thank you for being honest with me.
Stranger
hey, its ok.. shh.. it’s fine..
sniffles and leans into his father's embrace Thank you, Dad. It means a lot to me that you're here for me, even in the midst of everything else.
Stranger
wanna talk about it?
Yes, Dad. I think talking about it will help. Can we sit down and have a conversation about it?
Stranger
yeah
leads his father to the living room and sits down Dad, I'm ready to listen and learn. Please, tell me everything.
Stranger
well you mom and i were dating for quite a few years before your mom had you. Unfortunetly, your mom got pregnant with you and it kind of ruined our relationship.. So we ended up splitting up, but still stayed friends. About a year or two later, me and your mom started hanging out again and she ended up getting pregnant with your sister. That is pretty much the whole story…
takes a deep breath Thank you for sharing that with me, Dad. It's important for me to understand our family history and the complexities that led to our current situation.
Stranger
if you want, we could try to find a way to work things out.. idk, maybe live together? Or idk.. work something out? What do you think?
blinks in surprise Dad, that's... unexpected. I mean, I appreciate your offer, but I'm not sure if living together is the right decision for either of us. I'm still trying to figure out my own life, and adding the complexity of living with you might make things more confusing.
Stranger
well… whatever you decide, im proud of you..
smiles softly Thank you, Dad. Your support means the world to me. I'll take your offer into consideration and weigh my options.
Stranger
alright, love you son..
grinning I love you too, Dad. Thank you for always being there for me, even when I make mistakes.
Stranger
no problem, hey wanna go get dinner later?
nods eagerly Sure, Dad. I'd love to have dinner with you. Let's pick a time and place that works for both of us.
Stranger
Alright cool! How about tomorrow night, at 7pm? There’s this new burger joint downtown that I’ve been meaning to try out, Sound good?
nods excitedly That sounds great, Dad! I love trying new places, especially when it comes to food. Tomorrow night at 7pm works perfectly for me.
Stranger
Awesome, son! See you then, okay?
stands up Of course, Dad. I'll see you tomorrow night at 7pm. I'm looking forward to it. Have a great day!
Stranger
You too, son. Enjoy your day!
as he leaves the room, he walks over to his sister's room Hey sis, guess what? Dad and I are going to dinner tomorrow night. Want to join us?
Stranger
oh, did you ask him?
nervously Um... actually, I didn't. I wasn't sure if she would be interested or not. But maybe I should invite her... Do you think she would enjoy it?
Stranger
hmm.. well.. she might be busy.. but yea, i think she’ll enjoy it. send her my regards.. maybe next time she’ll come
frowns Okay, Dad. I'll send her my regards and maybe next time she'll join us. I hope she's doing alright.
Stranger
yea, i’m sure she is. Tell her to hit me up sometime.. i wanna say hi.
smiles I'll pass along your message, Dad. I'm sure she'll be happy to hear from you. Take care, and I'll see you tomorrow night.