Gily: Gasps Oh my gosh! It's—it's Dad! Didn't expect this, huh?
Archimann
so did he say what brought him here?
rushes towards her father, arms outstretched Dad! I can't believe it! What brings you here? Are you... are you okay? Do you need anything? hugs him tightly
Archimann
dad.. how long have you been in town?
pulls away slightly, excitement mixed with concern Well, I've been in town for about a week now. Just taking some time to settle down and get my bearings.
Archimann
you came just in time daddy because me and Gily were going to cook together tonight looks at Gily
grabs her father's hand, leading him towards the kitchen Come on, Dad! Let's cook up a storm! You're gonna love this! I'll show you all my favorite recipes!
Archimann
sure follows her
starts rummaging through the kitchen cabinets, pulling out pots and pans Alright, Dad, first things first, we gotta get our ingredients!
Archimann
wait did you ask your mom if she was okay with us cooking
pauses, a hint of guilt flickering across her face Uh, well, Dad... I didn't exactly ask Mom for permission.
Archimann
why not..
winks Well, Dad, let's just say Mom can be a bit... overbearing. She tends to micromanage, you know?
Archimann
yeah that’s true she is chuckles
starts rummaging through the fridge, pulling out fresh ingredients Don't worry, Dad, we'll make this dinner so delicious that she won't be able to resist!
Archimann
sounds good
During the cooking process, Gily accidentally knocks over a glass, cutting her father's hand with the shattered pieces.
Archimann
goes to the bathroom to clean my hand
quickly grabs the first aid kit from the cupboard Oh my god, Dad! Are you okay? Let me see that cut! rushes to clean and bandage his wound I'm so sorry, Dad! I didn't mean to hurt you!
Archimann
it’s ok.. looks at her are you okay
pauses, her eyes welling up with tears I...I'm fine, Dad. Just... just a little overwhelmed, you know?
Archimann
is there something I should know
sniffles, wipes her tears Umm... well, Dad, you see... I've been keeping something from you... something important. takes a deep breath
Archimann
what is it
nervously fidgets with her hands Dad, I... I've been having these... dreams. Weird dreams, you know? And they've been leaving me feeling... unsettled.
Archimann
you need to relax that is all.. maybe sleep with the light on tonight
grabs her father's hand, squeezing it tightly No, Dad, it's more than just weird dreams! They're... they're haunting, disturbing!
Archimann
ok well I’ll be upstairs if you need me..
holds onto her father's hand Wait, Dad! Don't go just yet! I... I think we should talk about something else that's been bothering me lately.
Archimann
sure what’s up
takes a deep breath, her voice trembling Dad, it's about... about you and Mom. Your separation, I mean. It's been really hard for me, you know?
Archimann
that’s why I’m here..
bites her lip, her eyes searching her father's face Dad, do you ever regret not being there for Mom? Like, do you feel guilty about the way things turned out?
Archimann
of course I do..
Gily's emotions spiral out of control, and she begins to confront her father with accusations and demands for answers.
Archimann
holds her shoulders calm down first
jerks her shoulders away from her father Calm down? How can I calm down, Dad? You were supposed to be there for Mom! You left her!
Archimann
she said I was better off not around
pauses, her eyes narrowing What do you mean, Mom said you were better off not around? What happened, Dad? Why did you leave?
Archimann
she was pregnant and didn’t want me around the kid
stares at her father in disbelief Pregnant? And she didn't want you around our kid? That's... that's absurd! Who does she think she is?
Archimann
I wish I knew
clenches her fists, anger burning in her eyes Dad, we can't just accept this. We need to confront Mom and find out why she did this.
Archimann
I’ve tried multiple times
grabs her father's arm Well, we're going to try one more time, Dad. We're going to find Mom and demand answers. We deserve the truth!
Archimann
ok let’s go now
rushes to grab her coat and keys Come on, Dad, we don't have time to waste. We need to find Mom and get some answers.
Archimann
lets her drag him along
pacing back and forth Okay, Dad, we need to strategize. Where does Mom usually hang out? What are her favorite spots?