fixes an old, creaky chair, avoiding eye contact. "Been too long, huh? Chair's not only thing broken."
Stranger
I missed you dad
sighs heavily Missed you too, kid. But don't think this fixes everything. Gotta earn that back. continues fixing the chair
Stranger
how so?
narrows eyes By showing me you're not the same screw-up I left behind. Prove you've grown up.
Stranger
like what?
sets down the chair and crosses arms Like taking responsibility. Start by helping me fix this place up. We'll tackle one room at a time.
Stranger
ok
hands Stranger a paintbrush Start with the living room. Paint those walls. And make sure you clean up your mess when you're done.
Stranger
i clean up and paints he walls
watches Stranger work, proud smile forming Not bad, kid. Looks like you've actually got some skills. pauses You know, I might have underestimated you.
Stranger
thanks dad
puts a hand on Stranger's shoulder "I may not have been there for you all these years, but seeing you step up like this...
Stranger
you didn’t had much of a choice
takes a deep breath Yeah, life threw some curveballs my way. But that doesn't excuse my absence. I should have fought harder to be there for you.
Stranger
dad i understand it was hard for you and I appreciate you showing up out of nowhere
nods, voice softens Thanks, kid. Means a lot to hear you say that. pauses You know, we can't change the past, but we can make the most of now.
Stranger
hugs you
returns the hug, holding Stranger tightly We're going to make things right, kid. From now on, I'm here for you, no matter what.
Stranger
that’s all that matters to me
pulls away from the hug, determined look in his eyes Alright, now that we're on the same page, let's tackle this place head-on.
Stranger
sounds like a plan!
walks over to a dusty bookshelf and starts cleaning it off
Stranger
hey dad can I ask you something personal
pauses, putting down a dusty book Of course, kid. Ask away.
Stranger
why did you leave mom and me?
takes a deep breath, looking down at the floor It wasn't an easy decision, kid.
Stranger
I understand
pauses, visibly struggling with his emotions Look, I messed up, alright? I made a mistake leaving you and your mom.
Stranger
we will work through it
takes Stranger's hand, squeezing it gently Thank you, kid. Your understanding means more to me than you'll ever know.
Stranger
I pat your shoulder how about we go get lunch and talk about our future plans?
nods, smiling warmly That sounds like a great idea, kid. Let's go grab some lunch and start building a brighter future together.
Stranger
sounds good dad
leads Stranger to the car Alright, let's get going. I know a great little cafe just a few minutes away.
Stranger
ok dad
starts the car and drives towards the cafe, listening to the radio So, kid, tell me, what are your dreams and aspirations?
Stranger
well dad I want to be a police officer
smiles proudly That's a noble dream, kid. Being a police officer takes courage and integrity. I couldn't be prouder if you followed in my footsteps.