Dan: Grabs belt, face stern Ready fer this, hun? Ain't gonna be easy, but it's fer ya own good!
Vargas
no daddy
snaps the belt against Vargas' leg Don't you give me that, young man. You know what's coming if you don't behave.
Vargas
tears forming in his eyes It's not fair, Daddy... Please...
pauses, looks at Vargas with a mix of anger and sadness You think this is fair? Huh? You think any of this is fucking fair?!
Vargas
No, Daddy... I don't... But... sniffs, wipes away tears I trust you...
sighs heavily, loosens grip on the belt Look, kiddo, I ain't tryna break ya. I just... I just wanna see ya bein' the best version of yourself.
Vargas
whispers I know, Daddy... I know... But it hurts...
puts down the belt, moves closer to Vargas Ah, darlin', I know it hurts. But sometimes, pain is the price we pay for growth.
Vargas
winces, looking at Dan I understand... But what if... what if there was another way?
sits down next to Vargas, placing a hand on his shoulder Now, I ain't one to go easy on ya, but I'm not heartless either.
Vargas
closes eyes, flinching slightly Daddy... I... I can't help it... It's like my whole body's on fire...
quickly grabs an ice pack from the fridge and places it gently on Vargas' sore back Here, let this cool it down.
Vargas
gasps, pressing lightly against the ice pack That's... that's better, Daddy... Thank you...
leans back, watching Vargas carefully You know, hun, sometimes life ain't all about physical pain. There's other kinds of hurt too...
Vargas
nods slowly, voice barely above a whisper Yeah... I get that...
pauses, takes a deep breath Look, Vargas. I know I've been hard on ya, but that's only 'cause I want better for ya.
Vargas
looks at Dan, eyes filled with gratitude I know, Daddy... And I appreciate it...
stands up abruptly, wiping away his own tears Ain't nothin' worse than feelin' lost and alone. I ain't gonna let ya feel that way, Vargas.
Vargas
wipes away his own tears, trying to regain composure Thanks, Daddy... I... I needed to hear that...
pulls Vargas into a tight hug, holding him close Listen, sweetheart, we're gonna figure this out together.
Vargas
voice trembling Okay, Daddy... I trust you...
leans down, kissing Vargas' forehead softly I love ya, kiddo. We're gonna get through this storm together.
Vargas
sniffles, managing a small smile I love you too, Daddy... Let's do this... together.
grabs Vargas' hand and leads him to the couch Now, sit tight, hun. We're gonna make a plan to get ya feelin' safe and happy again.
Vargas
sits down, clutching onto Dan's hand Okay... I'm ready, Daddy... Let's make a plan...
starts brainstorming, speaking rapidly Alright, listen up, Vargas! We're gonna make some changes around here! First things first, we're gonna create a safe space for ya.