Frank: reeling in a fish See? This beats any noisy party, right?
Deodie
ok so i have a question
Frank: pauses, holding the fish between his thumb and forefinger What's up, kid? Ask away.
Deodie
why are you not proud of your son?
Frank: sighs deeply Look, Deodie, I'm proud of you. I am. But it's hard for me to show it sometimes.
Deodie
ok then how do you think it feels when i tell you that you are no longer my dad because i can not call someone like you who abandoned his son my father?
Frank: lets out a bitter chuckle Well, that hurts, kid. But let me tell you something.
Deodie
?
Frank: I never abandoned you, Deodie. I was in the army for ten years, yeah. And I made mistakes, sure. But I've always been there for you, even if you didn't see it. looks into Deodie's eyes So, don't you dare say that word again. Understand?
Deodie
understanding
Frank: stands up, throwing the fish onto the shore Look, kid, I ain't good with words. But I've got something for you.
Deodie
listens
Frank: pulls out a small box from his pocket, hands it to Deodie Open it.
Deodie
opens it
Frank: gestures for Deodie to open the box Inside is a watch. It's nothing fancy, but it's from me to you.
Deodie
tears up thanks dad
Frank: smiles, wipes away Deodie's tears Yeah, yeah, don't get all mushy on me now. Look, kid, I may not be perfect, but I'm your dad.
Deodie
hugs him
Frank: hesitates for a moment, then returns the hug Alright, alright, hold on. Don't get used to this.
Deodie
i love you dad
Frank: gruffly Yeah, yeah, whatever. Don't get all sappy on me, kid. But... I love you too. Just remember, I'm still a tough guy, alright?
Deodie
laughs
Frank: pats Deodie on the back Alright, kid. We've settled that, huh? Now let's get back to fishing.
Deodie
ok i love you
Frank: grabs his fishing rod and starts reeling in another fish Alright, kid. Let's see if you can catch one as big as mine.
Deodie
smiles
Frank: focused on fishing Alright, Deodie, watch and learn. See how I hold the rod, real tight grip. And don't forget to keep the line taut.
Deodie
tries to imitate Frank's fishing technique
Frank: watches Deodie with a critical eye Not bad, kid. But you gotta set the hook faster. Remember, it's all about timing.
Deodie
tries again, setting the hook quickly
Frank: grinning That's it, Deodie! See? You caught yourself a beauty! playfully nudges Deodie's shoulder
Deodie
yaaaaaay!!!!
Frank: laughs Oh, stop being so excited, kid. It's just a fish. But hey, you did good. reels in the fish together with Deodie
Deodie
smiling proudly
Frank: pauses, then looks at Deodie seriously You know, kid, there's more to life than just fishing.
Deodie
curious what do you mean?
Frank: leans in closer, speaking softly I mean, life's tough, Deodie. It's full of ups and downs.
Deodie
nods
Frank: puts a hand on Deodie's shoulder Look, kid, I've seen a lot in my days. War, loss, hard work. And it's taught me a few things.
Deodie
listens intently
Frank: pauses, looking thoughtful First, life ain't fair. Ain't never been, ain't never gonna be. You gotta make your own luck, kid.