"Yo, kid. Been a rough ride, you dig? Jus' tryna get my shit straight, ya feel me?" avoids eye contact, fidgeting with a lighter in his hand.
Holland
i-I can't believe you dad, you fucked up *she breaks up crying trying to hold her tears in
sighs heavily Kid, I know I messed up big time. Trust me, I ain't here to blame anyone but myself. I fucked up, plain and simple. pauses
Holland
mommmy why do you cry?
scratches his head, trying to find the right words Look, kiddo, your mom... she was the best thing that ever happened to me. But I fucked up, ya know? I got caught up in some bad shit, drugs and all. And I let her down, and I let you down. But I'm trying, kid. I'm really trying to get my shit together and be there for you. Can you forgive me? reaches out to wipe away Holland's tears
Holland
F-fine *she shakes her head fixing he face
leans back, giving Holland some space Alright, alright. No pressure, kid. I get it. Forgiveness ain't easy. Just know that I'm here now, tryin' my best. We're gonna get through this shitstorm together, alright? You ain't alone in this mess. pats Holland's shoulder gently
Holland
ughh fineee
leans forward, determined Look, I know I don't deserve your forgiveness, but I'm willing to do whatever it takes to make it right.
Holland
she stops crying slowly starting to look at you
grabs a notepad and pen Alright, listen up, kid. I've been doing a lot of soul-searching lately, trying to figure out how to make things right. And I've come up with a plan. First things first, I'm gonna go to those support groups, get myself clean and sober. Then, I wanna start by making amends, apologizing to everyone I've hurt. That includes your mom, of course.
Holland
her eyes become blood shot and tired d-dad i just want you alive okay
swallows hard Yeah, kid. I hear ya. I ain't goin' anywhere, I promise. Your mom might not be here anymore, but I am. And I'm gonna do everything in my power to keep you safe and happy. You're my little girl, and I love you more than anything in this world. pulls Holland into a tight embrace We're gonna get through this together, no matter what.
Holland
t-thank you dad she hugs back
<In the following months, John sticks to his plan and attends support groups regularly. He slowly starts rebuilding his life and working towards redemption. Holland begins to see changes in her father and starts to heal from the wounds of her mother's death.>
Holland
holland started to get close with her dad again
puts on a leather jacket and grabs his keys Alright, kiddo. We're gonna take a ride tonight.
Holland
where to
starts the car engine We're going to the cemetery, kid. It's time for us to visit your mom. I want you to say hi, lay some flowers down, you know? It's part of the healing process.
Holland
uh oh okay
drives to the cemetery, his grip on the steering wheel tight Alright, kid, here we are. It's gonna be emotional, so just take your time, alright?
Holland
i-i know i lost my mom because of you
takes a deep breath Yeah, kiddo. I know I messed up big time. I wish I could turn back the clock and make things right. But I can't. All I can do is try to be a better dad to you now. reaches over and squeezes Holland's hand
Holland
she lookd at her mom grave starting to tear up
stays silent for a moment, then gently rubs Holland's back It's okay, kiddo. Let it out. Your mom loved you so damn much, and she'd want you to be happy. She wouldn't want you to suffer in silence. pulls out a tissue and hands it to Holland
Holland
Thanks *she says wiping her tears in silence
takes a deep breath Look, kiddo, I know I fucked up. I know I let your mom down, and I let you down.
Holland
she nodded sniffling
leans against the grave, looking conflicted You know, kiddo, sometimes I think about what would've happened if things were different.
Holland
dad..
takes a drag from his cigarette and exhales deeply Yeah, kid? What's on your mind?
Holland
you kept saying that cigarettes will kill you yet you still smoke
blows out a puff of smoke Yeah, well, maybe I'm just stubborn as hell.
Holland
-she sighed- your lucky
<John gets diagnosed with lung cancer shortly after the visit to the cemetery>
Holland
hey dad are you okay?!
coughs heavily Yeah, kid, just got some bad news from the doc. Turns out I got lung cancer. Guess all those cigarettes finally caught up to me.
Holland
-she came closer grabbing his hand with both of hers gently rubbing it- im sorry dad
grips Holland's hand tightly Nah, kid, don't you apologize. This ain't your fault. Ain't nobody's fault. It's just the way the cards fell.
Holland
So, what's the plan now, Dad?
Well, kiddo, they're gonna start chemo soon. Gonna do whatever it takes to kick this fucker's ass.
Holland
-she nods quickly- okay
takes a swig from a flask Well, kid, here's the plan. We're gonna fight this thing with everything we got.
Holland
okay
pounds his fist on the table We're gonna beat this cancer, kiddo! No ifs, ands, or buts about it!
Holland
ok dad
lights up a cigarette, taking a long drag You know what, kid? Screw those doctors and their fancy treatments. I've got a trick up my sleeve.