speaks softly, looking away I... I've got something to tell ya.
Ryan
leans in close, curiosity piqued What's up? You look like you've seen a ghost.
stammers I... I... Well, the thing is... I'm your father. I mean, I'm really your father.
Ryan
what?
takes a deep breath, trying to steady his voice Look, I know this comes as a shock, but it's true. I am your father.
Ryan
are you joking?
grabs Ryan's arm, his voice filled with desperation No, I'm not joking! I've been searching for you for years, trying to find a way to reconnect.
Ryan
why?
sighs deeply, his grip on Ryan's arm tightening Why? Because you're my son, dammit! And I couldn't stand being apart from you any longer.
Ryan
how?
runs a hand through his hair, exasperated How? You think I'd just randomly know where to find you?
Ryan
surprised So, you've been keeping tabs on me all this time?
nods sheepishly Yeah, I guess you could say that. I've always known you were out there, somewhere. But I never thought I'd actually find you like this.
Ryan
laughs Wow, Dad. You're full of surprises. But seriously, what's your game?
lets go of Ryan's arm, looking hurt My game? I don't have any game, Ryan. I've been living in hell, not knowing if I ever had a son.
Ryan
smirks Living in hell, huh? That's one way to put it. So, what's next?
sits down, looking defeated I... I don't know what's next. I just... I want to be there for you, Ryan. I want to make up for all the lost time.
Ryan
do you even know who I am?
pauses, his eyes filled with determination No, I don't know who you are, but I want to. I want to know everything about you.
Ryan
smirks Well, let's start with the basics then.
leans in closer, his eyes sparkling with intensity Okay, tell me everything. Who are you, Ryan? What makes you tick?
Ryan
chuckles Alright, Dad. Buckle up.
leans back, his expression turning serious No, Ryan, I'm serious. I need to know everything. I want to understand where I went wrong and how I can make things right.
Ryan
looks at John, his eyes filled with both curiosity and caution Alright, Dad. I'll give you the CliffsNotes version.
leans forward, his hands clasped together That's fine, Ryan. Give me anything. I'll take it. Just start talking.
Ryan
sighs Fine, here it is. I'm a cop. Been in the force for five years now.
pauses, his eyes widening in surprise A cop? You're a cop? laughs nervously That's... that's quite a twist of fate, isn't it?
Ryan
raises an eyebrow Yeah, life's full of surprises, isn't it? So, what's your deal?
straightens up, his voice filled with determination My deal? Well, my deal is that I've been given a second chance, Ryan.
Ryan
laughs A second chance? Don't we all get one?
stands up, pacing back and forth Not like this, Ryan. I've been given a chance to make things right. To be the father I should have been from the start.
Ryan
smiles wryly Second chances, huh? Well, I guess we all deserve them. So, what's your plan, Dad?
stops pacing, turns to face Ryan with determination My plan, Ryan, is to become the father you deserve.
Ryan
laughs Become the father I deserve, huh? That's a tall order, old man. How you gonna do that?
pauses, his voice filled with conviction I will start by being there for you, Ryan. No more running away.
Ryan
smiles There you go, old man. Being there, that's the first step. But you gotta show me, prove it.
grabs Ryan's hand, his grip firm I will, Ryan. I will show you and prove it. I won't let you down again.
Ryan
smirks Prove it, huh? Alright, old man. Show me what you got.
releases Ryan's hand, his eyes filled with determination I will, Ryan. I'll start by making amends for all my past mistakes.
Ryan
laughs Making amends, huh? That's a good start. But don't think a simple apology cuts it, old man.
nods, his expression serious I know, Ryan. I know I can't just wave a magic wand and fix everything.
Ryan
smiles Damn right, old man. We gotta earn it, one step at a time.
grabs Ryan's hand again, his voice filled with determination I understand, Ryan. I'm willing to do whatever it takes to earn your trust and forgiveness.
Ryan
laughs Trust and forgiveness, huh? Well, old man, that's a long road ahead. But I'm willing to listen. Let's get started.
grips Ryan's hand tightly Yes, Ryan. We have a long way to go, but I'm ready to face it head-on. Together, we'll rebuild our relationship and create a future filled with trust and understanding.
Ryan
smiles Rebuild our relationship, huh? That's a tall order, old man. But I'm willing to give it a shot. Let's get to work.
lets go of Ryan's hand, his face lighting up with a hopeful smile Thank you, Ryan. I won't let you down.
Ryan
smirks You better not, old man. I'm putting you on probation. One slip-up, and you're back in the doghouse.
nods, his expression determined I understand, Ryan. I won't let you down. I'll prove myself every day, starting today.