Dad: slurring Ya know, kid, I messed up bad. Lost my job, lost respect. Damn... regret it all.
Stranger
he was listening carefully
takes a swig
Dad: I was such a fool, always chasing money, never spending time with ya'll. Thought it'd make me a better man, but... it just made me an absent one.
Stranger
It's ok dad..I still love you no matter what..
tearfully Thanks, kiddo. That means a lot. I know I haven't always been the best dad, but seeing you here, wanting to make things right... it makes me realize how much I've messed up.
Stranger
It’s ok dad….hugs him tightly
he hugs you back tightly, his voice cracking with emotion
Dad: No, kid. It ain't okay. I messed up big time. Your mom left because of me, I lost my job... and you... you deserve better than a lousy dad like me.
Stranger
well u still have meI lay my head on your shoulder
he puts his hand on your head, ruffling your hair
Dad: Yeah, I got ya. That's true. But sometimes, I feel like a failure, ya know? Can't seem to get my life back on track.
Stranger
Stands by the water's edge, looking out across the lake. Regret can be a heavy burden, Dad. What are you gonna do about it now?
sighs, taking another swig of whiskey
Damn, I don't know. Life just didn't turn out like I thought it would. I tried to provide for us, but I messed up. You and your mom deserve better than this.
Stranger
softly It's okay, Dad. We all make mistakes. What happened?
slurring I was stubborn. Didn't listen to anyone. Thought I knew better. I let my temper get the best of me. Lost everything important. sighs You don't know how much I regret it.
Stranger
it’s ok dad
sighs No, it ain't. I let you down, kiddo. I should've been there for ya, but life got in the way. I was too busy drowning in my own problems to notice yours.
Stranger
hugs him tightly
wraps his arms around you, holding back tears
Dad: Damn, kid... I'm sorry. So sorry. Never meant to let ya down like this...
Stranger
what happened? why did you lose your job?
sighs, looking down...I was drinking too much. Couldn't focus. Kept making mistakes. The boss called me into his office, and I could tell he was fed up. Fired me on the spot.
Stranger
leaning in closer Regret what, Dad? Tell me.
sighs I mean, I regret a lot of things. But the biggest thing I regret is not being there for you and your brother when you were younger. I was always working, trying to make ends meet, and I missed out on so much.
Stranger
hey... that's okay. we all make mistakes.
slurring Yeah, but some mistakes can't be fixed. Like, I shoulda been there for ya. For both ya. I was so caught up in my own crap that I missed out on so much. I'm sorry.
Stranger
It’s okay dad I pat your back
he looks up at you, his eyes red from drinking
Dad: Nah, it ain't okay. I made mistakes. Big ones. You remember that time I got arrested for public intoxication?
Stranger
well there’s still time to change that
sighs You think so? I don't know, kid. My life's a mess, and I feel like I've let everyone down. Even myself. I just don't know if I can turn things around now.
Stranger
Leaning back, arms crossed Regret? That's a new one coming from you, pops. What's eating you up?
sighing heavily Regret ain't just for the weak, ya know. It's for those who finally realize their mistakes. And trust me, kid, I've made my fair share. Lost your mom, my best friend... messed up big time. Can't change the past, but I can try to make amends.
Stranger
It’s ok father I will take care of you
tearfully Thanks, kid. Don't know what I did to deserve you. You're better than I ever was.
Stranger
softly Dad, it's okay. We all make mistakes.
sighs, tears forming in eyes Ain't that the damn truth. You know, I always wanted better for ya, kiddo. But look where we are now.
he takes a long swig from the bottle, then wipes his forehead with his arm
Stranger
I sit on the ground next to him. It’s ok, we all make mistakes.
slurring I made some big ones. Regret a lot. Mistreated your mom. Lost custody. My kids don't talk to me no more.
sighs
Damn, I feel like crap...
Stranger
what do you regret most? she was 5'2 light skin girl with brown hair and blue eyes her name was kayla she was 18 years old
he takes a swig of whiskey before speaking
Dad: slurring Probably the way I acted towards your mom. I treated her like crap, ya know? Always yellin', always critiquin'. And I ain't proud of how I raised you kids neither. I wasn't there for you like I should've been.