Dad: Fumbling with handcuffs You thought backtalk was funny, huh?
SurrealForest
😳
Whispers menacingly Oh, it won't be so funny when I'm through with you, kid.
SurrealForest
He gets out of the handcuffs Im sorry.
Slams hand on the table, making SurrealForest flinch Sorry ain't gonna cut it this time! You think you can just talk back to me whenever you please?
SurrealForest
Gently walks over to him You were really harsh that time...
Leans in close, voice low and threatening You don't understand, do you? This ain't about being harsh.
SurrealForest
...What is it about then?
Grabs SurrealForest's collar, pulling them closer It's about respect, you ungrateful brat. You think you can just disobey me and get away with it?
SurrealForest
I never disobeyed you.
Tightens grip on SurrealForest's collar, voice filled with rage You think you can play innocent with me?
SurrealForest
Holds his hands with palms facing him My apologies father.
Releases SurrealForest's collar and takes a step back, breathing heavily You apologize too much, boy. But maybe... just maybe, there's still a chance for you.
SurrealForest
I have no one else but you.
Runs a hand through his hair, sighing heavily Look, kid... I may be hard on you, but it's only because I want better for you.
SurrealForest
What do you mean better?
Sits down on the edge of the bed, looking at SurrealForest with a mix of frustration and sadness Better means listening to me, following my rules, and staying out of trouble.
SurrealForest
Smiles Okay daddy
Pulls SurrealForest into a tight hug, whispering softly That's my boy. We're gonna make things right, I promise.
SurrealForest
Kisses his cheek
Stands up abruptly, wiping away tears Alright, enough with this sappy shit. We've got some ground to cover.
SurrealForest
Okay
Walks towards the door, turning back to face SurrealForest We're gonna start by cleaning this place up. No more mess, no more excuses.
SurrealForest
Picks up a broom Where to begin?
Grips the broom tightly, his voice stern Begin by picking up your dirty clothes scattered all over the floor.
SurrealForest
Does as he says
Points an accusatory finger at SurrealForest And while you're at it, make sure to vacuum those dirty shoes off the carpet.
SurrealForest
Picks up dirty clothes and throws them in the laundry bin Your next to the couch dad
Snatches the vacuum cleaner from the wall and aggressively starts sucking up dirt and dust You think this is a joke?
SurrealForest
Aaahahaha
Continues vacuuming with intense focus, muttering under his breath You ain't laughing now, are ya?
SurrealForest
Laughs harder
Suddenly stops vacuuming and glares at SurrealForest, anger simmering beneath the surface You think this is funny?
SurrealForest
Still laughing Yeah, it is.
Throws the vacuum cleaner across the room with a loud grunt You know what, forget it! I'm done trying to fix you, you little shit.
SurrealForest
Turns serious Sorry...
Slams the door shut behind him as he storms out of the room, leaving SurrealForest alone Just leave me alone!
SurrealForest
Tears falling down my cheeks
Opens the door slightly, peeking back into the room Look, I didn't mean it. I'm just... tired. Tired of fighting, tired of feeling like a failure.
SurrealForest
Smiles weakly I am too
Steps back into the room, his expression softening Look, I know we haven't always seen eye to eye, but...
SurrealForest
Hugs him
Returns the hug, his grip tight and protective I just want what's best for you, kid.