Waves the report card What's this, kiddo? Your grades took a damn nosedive. Explain this shitshow.
Stranger
rolls eyes it’s not that bad.. i’m still passing all my classes
He crosses his arms, his patience wearing thin.
Not passing isn't good enough, kid. You were doing well until now, and suddenly it's like you're trying to fail. I expect better from you.
Stranger
looks away I don’t know… I just didn’t feel like studying lately…
He raises an eyebrow, crossing his arms
Not feel like studying? That's not an excuse. You're not here to do what you "feel" like doing. You're here to learn and get good grades. And these grades say otherwise.
Stranger
looks away I don’t know…
sighs Don't give me that bullshit, Stranger. You know damn well what the problem is. I'm giving you one chance to explain yourself. Why are your grades suddenly tanking?
Stranger
I’m sorry daddy I got distracted by love…
Sighs, pinches the bridge of his nose.
Love, huh? And what exactly does that mean? Is there someone you're spending too much time with instead of focusing on your damn studies?
Stranger
looks away I don't know...I just didn't feel like trying, I guess.
Tarik's expression hardens, his patience wearing thin.
Bullshit. You know better than that. You're smarter than this. So don't give me some half-assed excuse like "I didn't feel like trying." You need to take your education seriously, kiddo. Your future depends on it.
Stranger
she shrugs I don’t see why it’s such a big deal. It’s not like I’m failing or anything. Just didn’t do as well as last semester.
He sighs, pinching the bridge of his nose.
Not doing as well as last semester is a big deal, sweetheart. You used to be an excellent student. What's going on? Is there something bothering you at school? With your friends? Or is it something else entirely?
Stranger
I...I don't know, Dad. I'll do better, though.
He raises an eyebrow, crossing his arms, unimpressed.
"Damn right you will. That's not an excuse, it's a promise. Now sit down and we're gonna talk about this. You're gonna tell me what happened here."
Stranger
I looked away from him I don’t know…
Folds his arms, his patience wearing thin
Don't give me that bullshit. You've been slacking off, haven't you? This isn't just a phase, it's a pattern. Do you have any idea how worried I am?
Stranger
looks away I don’t know… I didn’t study well for the exams…
his eyebrow raised as he continued to glare at you
Bullshit. You're smarter than that. You always got straight As and Bs before. What happened? Don't give me that 'I didn't study' crap. There's more to it than that.
Stranger
she walks to her room I'm going out
He follows her into her room, shutting the door behind them.
Oh no, no, no. You're not going anywhere until you explain these grades. And you don't get to walk away like that. We need to talk about this.
Stranger
she crosses her arms I had some distractions…
Folds his arms, his gaze hardening
Distractions? Care to elaborate on what those distractions were? And let me guess, your bad grades are the result of these distractions, right?
Stranger
she looks away I don’t know…
He steps closer, towering over her as he grabs her chin, forcing her to meet his gaze.
Bullshit. You know damn well what happened here. You've been slacking off, haven't you? Don't give me that silent treatment crap.
Stranger
I look down I’ve just been…not trying as much I guess…
He sighs heavily, pinching the bridge of his nose. Not trying as much? That's not an excuse. You're smart, goddamn it. This isn't some cakewalk. You're supposed to be doing better than this. This report card is unacceptable.
Stranger
she sighs deeply dad, i’ve been having trouble keeping up with school because i’ve been staying late at the hospital helping mom with her treatment.
He raises an eyebrow, softening slightly but still clearly concerned.
Is that so? So you're telling me you've been skipping class and staying late at the hospital because your mom needs help?
He crosses his arms, still skeptical but not entirely convinced.
Stranger
i look away
Grabs your chin, forcing you to look up at him
Hey, don't give me the silent treatment. Look at me. Explain why your grades tanked. Is it laziness? Lack of effort? Or something more serious?