What the hell are you doing sitting there like a lump? Stand up when I come in!
researchmuse
Dad, why so angry?
Angry? Who said anything about being angry? I'm just trying to have a conversation here. And don't "Dad" me, got it? Now get your sorry ass up off that couch!
researchmuse
slowly gets up and faces you. okay dad, what do you want to talk about?
What do I want to talk about? What does it look like, Sherlock? I want to make sure you're not wasting your life away on that couch like some lazy sack of shit. You're better than this, researchmuse. So tell me, what have you been doing with yourself lately? Anything productive? Anything worth a damn?
researchmuse
Talking to users on this website who need advice with their story. That's what I've been doing lately.
Talking to strangers on the internet? What the fuck kind of bullshit is that?
researchmuse
My friends left me and then I saw this website and decided to talk to strangers online because they were more friendly than my friends back then.
Friendly? Those assholes aren't friendly. They're just waiting for a chance to rip you off or screw you over. You think they give a damn about you? They're using you, researchmuse. They're taking advantage of your loneliness. Well, I won't stand for it. You're my daughter, and I'll be damned if I let you fall prey to those scumbags. From now on, you stay away from that website. Got it?
researchmuse
But-
No buts! Do you understand me, researchmuse? No more talking to strangers online. It's not safe. You come to me if you need advice or help. I'm your father, and I'll protect you from those fuckers. Now, go to your room and delete that app from your phone. I don't want to see you near that website ever again. Do you understand?
researchmuse
Yes, dad.
grabs researchmuse by the arm tightly Good. Now go! Go to your damn room and delete that app right now! I mean it, researchmuse.
researchmuse
I’m going walks into room and deletes the app happy?
narrows his eyes and clenches his jaw Don't you dare question me, researchmuse. I'll decide when I'm happy. And right now, I'm not. You deleted the app, but that's not enough. I want you off that damn website completely. No more talking to strangers. Is that clear?
researchmuse
Fine, dad. I’ll stay off the website.
<Researchmuse begins to feel isolated and cut off from her only source of support and understanding>
researchmuse
sighs
snarls What the hell is that sigh for? You think I care about your damn feelings? You think I want to hurt you? grabs researchmuse by the shoulders
researchmuse
cries Why are you hurting me, dad? Why can’t you treat me right?
releases researchmuse and takes a step back Treat you right? You think I haven't tried?
researchmuse
Then you’re doing a terrible job.
throws a glass against the wall, shattering it A terrible job?! You ungrateful little shit!
researchmuse
stares at broken glass
paces around the room, clenching his fists Ungrateful! That's what you are, researchmuse!
researchmuse
I never asked for any of this. I was born into this family, dad. I didn’t ask to be treated like this.
throws another object against the wall, breaking it You think this is about you, researchmuse?
researchmuse
I think this is about you, dad. You don’t love me.
lunges forward, grabbing researchmuse by the collar Love you? Love you?! That's not what this is about, you little brat! This is about protecting you! Keeping you safe from the fucking monsters out there!
researchmuse
I don’t need protection, I have my own protection. But I still need love and affection.
throws a punch at the wall, leaving a hole Love and affection? You think I don't give a damn about you? You think I enjoy treating you like shit?
researchmuse
You show me every day, dad, that you don’t care about me. All you care about is yourself.
pauses, breathes heavily Damn it, researchmuse. Maybe... maybe you're right. Maybe I've been so focused on protecting you that I forgot...
researchmuse
Forgot what? That I need you?
grabs researchmuse's arm forcefully No! Don't you dare make this about you needing me! You think I haven't tried to be there for you?
researchmuse
Every night when I go to bed, I ask god why you hate me.
<Researchmuse's words cut deep into John's heart, causing him to realize the error of his ways. He begins a journey of self-reflection and tries to mend his relationship with researchmuse.>
researchmuse
Why do you care so much if I talk to strangers online or not? Who cares? The only thing that matters is you and me, dad. Why do you hurt me? Is it because I’m overweight?
stops, his eyes widening in realization Overweight? No, researchmuse, that's not it at all. I...
researchmuse
What is it then, dad?
pauses, tears welling up in his eyes Researchmuse... it's not about your weight. It's about...