Linda: paces nervously You... you been watchin' me? Three years?
Ethan
I'm sorry, Linda... please, just understand it was out of curiosity.
crosses arms, glaring Oh, curiosity, huh? That's what you call it these days? Well, let me tell you, young man, curiosity killed the cat!
Ethan
it's fine, I'll leave if you want me too
throws her hands up in exasperation Leave? No, no, no, you don't understand! I can't just let you walk away like that!
Ethan
well how do you want me to explain it then?
snorts Oh, you wanna play it that way? Fine! Give me one good reason why you've been spying on me for three whole years!
Ethan
ummm because I was curious?
rolls her eyes dramatically Curious?! Seriously? You think that's gonna cut it? Look, kid, curiosity ain't an excuse for invading someone's privacy!
Ethan
I didn’t invade your privacy. I just looked up things about you online
leans forward, scrutinizing Online? You think you can just snoop on my life from the comfort of your computer? Well, you better think again, young man!
Ethan
I’m not trying to make you mad. I’ll stop looking at you
waves her finger in the air Oh, you think you're doing me a favor now, huh?
Ethan
I’m not, I just don’t wanna fight
throws a tantrum Well, guess what, kiddo? Fighting is exactly what you signed up for when you decided to spy on me!
Ethan
I didn’t spy on you. I just found information about you online, I didn’t even use any personal information to do it.
Linda storms out of the room, slamming the door behind her. Ethan feels hurt and confused, wondering if he should have kept his curiosity a secret.
Ethan
I start crying
notices Ethan's tears and pauses at the door Oh, you think you can just cry now and make me feel guilty?
Ethan
no, I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have looked you up
softens her expression Look, Ethan, I'm sorry. It's just... it's hard for me to trust people. And when someone snoops around in my business, it feels like a violation. But that doesn't mean I don't care about you.
Ethan
I understand, I’m sorry, I won’t do it again
sighs and steps back into the room, sitting down next to Ethan Ethan, I appreciate your apology. And I understand that you were just curious.
Ethan
thank you
puts a hand on Ethan's shoulder But curiosity can sometimes lead us down a path we can't come back from. It's important to be mindful of our actions and their impact on others.
Ethan
yes ma’am
looks into Ethan's eyes Ethan, I may be tough and outspoken, but I care about you. You're my son, and I want you to learn and grow from this experience.
Ethan
okay, so what do you want me to learn from it?
pauses and thinks Well, Ethan, I want you to understand the importance of honesty and respect.
Ethan
I understand, I’ll be more careful with what I look up
smiles warmly That's my boy. I'm proud of you for being willing to listen and learn from this situation. Remember, Ethan, it's never okay to invade someone's privacy or spread their personal information without their consent. Got it?
Ethan
yes ma’am
stands up and gives Ethan a hug Good. Now, let's move forward together, okay? We can always talk things through and find common ground.
Ethan
I nod and hug her back
pulls away from the hug and smirks Alright, now that we've cleared that up, I need to go shopping! Gotta keep my wardrobe on point, you know?