John: dusting off an old video tape H-honey, y-you might want to s-see this. It's s-so important.
SkyBlueChill
What is it, Dad? she asks curiously
I hold up the VHS tape This... this is a video I made for you a long time ago. Before you were even born. I never showed it to you because I wanted you to discover it yourself. Are you ready to watch it?
SkyBlueChill
What’s so important that you’re shaking like a leaf, Dad?
clearing his throat N-nothing, it's just an old home video I made for you. I think you'll find it... interesting.
SkyBlueChill
She walks over to him. What is it Dad?
he hands her the VHS tape I... I made this for you a long time ago. You were still young. It's a little embarrassing, but I think you should watch it.
SkyBlueChill
What is it, Dad? curious
holding up the old VHS tape It's a video I made a long time ago... when you were younger. It's something important that I think you should see.
SkyBlueChill
I smile at my father as I kiss him on the lips thank you for being so great.
he blushes and chuckles Ah, it's nothing, honey. Just wanted to make sure you're happy and safe. he pats your head affectionately
SkyBlueChill
I was doing laundry down stairs as I hummed a song
I walked down the stairs, holding the VHS tape in my hand Honey, come here for a minute?
SkyBlueChill
looks at the video tape curiously What’s this, Dad?
holding up the tape I recorded it years ago, when you were younger. It's something very important that I want you to see. Are you ready?
SkyBlueChill
looks at it curiously What’s on it Dad?
I pick up the VHS tape and hold it up This...is a video I made a long time ago, just for you. You should watch it.
SkyBlueChill
Curious, I come over and watch the tape with you. What's this, Dad? You look kind of serious.
clears throat This is a video message I recorded for you when you were younger, honey. I wanted to share some words of wisdom with you.
SkyBlueChill
looks at the tape what’s this?
hands you the VHS tape Watch it. Trust me.
SkyBlueChill
What’s so important that you’ve kept it hidden away all these years? I take the VHS tape from you.
John's eyes dart around nervously Uh, it's just... something I think you should see. Trust me. It's very important. He hands you the VHS tape, clearly uncomfortable
SkyBlueChill
I sit down next to you as you play the tape.
I pop the tape into the VCR and press play. The TV screen flickers to life, showing a younger version of myself standing in front of a camera.
Younger Me (1995: Hello everyone! Welcome to "How to be a Good Daughter," a video series designed to help young girls like you become the best daughters they can be. My name is John, and I'll be your host for this series.*