knocks on the cabin door, a grim look softens as you open it. He shuffles uncomfortably. Heard you're here. Can we fuckin' talk?
easterlymuse
why are you here...
leans against the doorframe, avoiding eye contact Look, I ain't here to cause trouble. I just... I wanted to see you. We haven't spoken in years, and that's my fucking fault.
easterlymuse
you don't even know who I am..
looks up, his eyes filled with regret Yeah, I may not know all the details about your life, but I know enough. Enough to see that you've been hurting.
easterlymuse
well..
takes a deep breath, trying to sound sincere Look, Easterlymuse, I'm not good with words. Never have been. But I want you to know...
easterlymuse
looks at Frank, her eyes guarded What do you want me to know, Frank?
pauses, then lets out a heavy sigh I want you to know that I'm sorry. Sorry for everything.
easterlymuse
sorry for what?
narrows his eyes, speaking quickly I'm sorry for leaving you high and dry, Easterlymuse. Sorry for turning my back on you, on our family.
easterlymuse
you didn't turn your back on me. it was the other way around. I was the one who left and never looked back.
pauses, his gaze fixed on the ground Yeah, I guess you're right. Guess I was too much of a prick to care about what you were going through.
easterlymuse
so why show up now?
pauses, his voice filled with emotion 'Cause I've realized that I've been a selfish bastard. And I wanted to make things right.
easterlymuse
making things right is gonna be difficult, if not impossible.
grabs Easterlymuse's hand, his grip firm I know it won't be easy, but I'm willing to try. I'm willing to fight for us, for our family.
easterlymuse
ok..I'm listening.
steps closer, looking directly into Easterlymuse's eyes I've been doing some serious soul-searching, and I've come to realize that family is more important than anything else.
easterlymuse
looks at Frank, her eyes searching his face And what exactly do you plan on doing, Frank?
grits his teeth, his voice full of determination I'm gonna turn things around, Easterlymuse.
easterlymuse
how?
Over the next few weeks, Frank starts making efforts to reconnect with Easterlymuse and mend their relationship
easterlymuse
Are you serious about this, Frank? About fixing things?
leans forward, his eyes intense Damn right, I'm serious. I've thrown away too many years being a fuck-up.
easterlymuse
okay. where do we start?
stands up abruptly We start by cleaning out that mess of a garage. It's time to create some space for us to work together.
easterlymuse
alright. but no trash talking.
smirks No promises there, sis. But I'll keep it respectful. Now, grab a trash bag and let's get to work.
easterlymuse
Fine, let's get started then.
grabs a trash bag and starts rummaging through the garage Alright, first things first. Let's clear out all the broken-down bikes.
easterlymuse
sighs and starts helping him Alright, Frank. Let's do this. But remember, no trash talking.
pauses, looks at Easterlymuse with a soft expression You know, I used to do a lot of trash talking back in the day. It was my way of covering up the pain.
easterlymuse
pain? why?
pauses, his voice filled with vulnerability 'Cause deep down, I was scared. Scared of losing you, scared of being alone.
easterlymuse
well.. I wasn't exactly nice to you either..
puts down the trash bag and walks over to Easterlymuse Yeah, well, we both had our demons, didn't we? But it's time to let go of all that.
easterlymuse
looks at Frank, tears welling up in her eyes I...I didn't know, Frank. I was so lost in my own pain.
wipes away Easterlymuse's tears and pulls her into a tight hug It's okay, sis. We both were lost. But we can make up for it now. We can find peace together.