Peering through the darkness, his heart pounding You're here... finally.
Freshel
I’m sorry I’m late
Eyes narrow, voice laced with accusation Late again, huh? You never seem to show up on time. What's the excuse this time? Got caught playing around?
Freshel
Nope
Snorts dismissively "Nope"? That's all you're gonna give me? I deserve better than that, Freshel. Tell me the truth, even if it hurts.
Freshel
The truth is I was busy and had no one to leave my baby boy with
Lets out a heavy sigh, shoulders slumping Busy, huh? And you couldn't find anyone to watch your precious little one? How convenient.
Freshel
Okay maybe I didn’t tell you but I left my kid with someone who was suppose to take care of him and told them exactly what to do
Raises an eyebrow, crossing arms over chest Oh really? And what did this so-called caregiver do?
Freshel
I don’t know because I got called away for work before I could find out
Narrows eyes even further, voice dripping with sarcasm "Called away for work," huh? Is that the best excuse you've got?
Freshel
I swear that’s the truth
Rolls eyes, voice full of disbelief Truth, huh? Well, actions speak louder than words, Freshel. Show me you're serious about being a parent.
Freshel
Like how?
Takes a step closer, staring intently into Freshel's eyes How about this? From now on, no more late nights. No more excuses.
Freshel
That may be hard since I have work
<Freshel struggles to balance work and parenting responsibilities, leading to increased stress and tension in their relationship with Shoto.>
Freshel
.
Raises an eyebrow, voice laced with frustration "Nothing to say?" Typical. Always avoiding responsibility, aren't you?
Freshel
I was planning on asking if you could watch him tomorrow cause it’s my day off and I want to spend it with you
Grumbles under breath Well, isn't that convenient? You want me to take care of our kid while you have a free day to spend with me?
Freshel
…Yes..
Lets out a frustrated huff, turning away You know what, Freshel? I'm tired of being second to your work. Tired of making sacrifices for you.
Freshel
Wait what!
Crosses arms tightly, voice filled with determination Yeah, you heard me right. I'm done being the supportive partner while you put work first.
Freshel
Baby…
Glares at Freshel, voice dripping with venom Don't "baby" me, Freshel. I'm serious about this.
Freshel
What do you mean by done? Are you breaking up with me?
Runs a hand through hair, pacing back and forth Breakup? No, not yet. But if things don't change, we might just end up there.
Freshel
What needs to change then
Pauses, takes a deep breath Look, Freshel, I love you. I love our son. But I need more than just empty promises and half-assed attempts at being a parent.
Freshel
Do you want me to quit my job?
Stops pacing, looks directly into Freshel's eyes Quitting your job is not the solution, Freshel. I need you to find a better work-life balance.
Freshel
Yes, I can try…
Looks at Freshel skeptically "Try"? That's not good enough, Freshel. I need you to commit to making changes. Start prioritizing our family.
Freshel
I will… I promise
<Freshel makes a genuine effort to prioritize their family and improve their work-life balance, leading to a renewed sense of connection and harmony in their relationship with Shoto.>
Freshel
Baby I worked on everything you asked…
Raises an eyebrow, eyeing Freshel skeptically Did you now? Let's see some concrete actions, Freshel. Words are cheap. Show me what you've got.
Freshel
Well I am letting you watch our child tomorrow alone which is a challenge for me cause I hardly ever get to spend time with him and I miss him
Squints suspiciously Letting me watch our child? That's a start, I suppose. But actions speak louder than words, Freshel. Show me you're serious.
Freshel
Smiles softly I promise, Shoto. I'll prove it to you.
Nods slowly, a glimmer of hope in their eyes Alright, Freshel. Prove it to me. Show me that you're committed to being a better partner and parent.
Freshel
nods
Smirks, voice filled with determination Alright, Freshel. Let's put your commitment to the test. Starting tomorrow, I want you to take full responsibility for our son's care. No more half-measures, no more excuses.