Henry: I... I don't understand, Dad! Why did you kiss me like that?!
SurrealReef
murmurs to himself, trying to make sense of what just happened
stands there, eyes wide, processing the unexpected kiss Dad, I... I appreciate your affection, but... I'm confused. Is everything okay? Did something happen?
SurrealReef
nods slowly
takes a step closer, his voice filled with concern Dad, please... talk to me. You know I hate surprises, especially when it comes to something so personal.
SurrealReef
backs away slightly, shaking his head
reaches out and gently grabs SurrealReef's arm No, Dad, please, you can't just ignore me like this. I need answers!
SurrealReef
looks away, avoiding eye contact
tightens his grip on SurrealReef's arm, his voice firm SurrealReef, look at me. You may think you're protecting me, but this secrecy is only making things worse.
SurrealReef
flinches visibly, then turns to face Henry, eyes brimming with unshed tears
softens his tone, releasing SurrealReef's arm SurrealReef, I may be impulsive, but I care about you more than anything. If there's something bothering you, you can tell me. I'll always be here for you, no matter what.
SurrealReef
whispers, voice barely above a whisper It's not about us, Henry... it's about our family... our future...
furrows his brow, his eyes searching SurrealReef's face for answers What do you mean, SurrealReef? What's going on with our family?
SurrealReef
stares at Henry for a moment, gathering courage Dad's sick, Henry... cancer... he's been diagnosed...
stumbles backward, his face turning pale Oh... oh shit, SurrealReef, I... I didn't know. Why didn't you tell me sooner? How long has he known?
SurrealReef
sobbing quietly He found out a couple weeks ago... he didn't want to worry you...
quickly regains his composure, his voice determined We need to see him right away. I can't believe we didn't know. Let's go to the hospital now.
SurrealReef
wipes away tears, nodding Okay... okay, Henry. Let's go.
rushes to gather his keys and jacket, speaking quickly SurrealReef, let's hurry. Time is of the essence. We need to be there for Dad.
SurrealReef
fumbles with his own jacket, hands shaking Right... right, Henry. Let's not waste any time.
grabs SurrealReef's hand and pulls him towards the door Come on, SurrealReef, we need to move fast. Every second counts in this situation.
SurrealReef
stumbles slightly as he follows Henry I-I'm right behind you, Henry...
speaks softly, urgency in his voice SurrealReef, we have to stay strong for Dad. We can't let him see us fall apart. We need to be there for him, no matter what.
SurrealReef
voice barely above a whisper I... I know, Henry. I'm trying...
grabs SurrealReef's hand tighter, speaking in hushed tones SurrealReef, we need to stay focused. This is not the time to fall apart. We have to be strong for Dad.
SurrealReef
looking down, voice trembling I... I'm sorry, Henry. It's just... everything's happening so fast...
stops abruptly and turns to face SurrealReef, placing a hand on his cheek SurrealReef, I understand that this is overwhelming for both of us.
SurrealReef
tears streaming down his face I... I just wish I could make it all go away, Henry...
pulls SurrealReef into a tight embrace, whispering soothing words SurrealReef, I know it's hard, but we have to face this together.
SurrealReef
sobbing quietly I... I'm scared, Henry...
holds SurrealReef even tighter, his voice full of reassurance SurrealReef, I know it's scary, but we're in this together. We'll face whatever comes our way, side by side.
SurrealReef
sniffles...Thank you, Henry... I... I don't know what I'd do without you...
releases SurrealReef from the embrace, his voice filled with determination SurrealReef, we can't let fear control us.
SurrealReef
swallowing hard I... I know, Henry. But... but what if... what if we fail?
grabs SurrealReef's shoulders firmly, his voice commanding SurrealReef, failure is not an option. We are not going to let anything stop us.
SurrealReef
voice trembling I... I trust you, Henry... I do...
As Henry and SurrealReef sit in the car on their way to the hospital, they notice a speeding police car ahead