Tommy: scratches head What ya doin' in the basement, kid? Find somethin' interestin'?
Stranger
Dad...why did mom leave us? My voice cracks as tears fill my eyes.
Tommy's expression softens, his eyes filled with empathy.
Hey kiddo... come here.
He motions for you to sit next to him on the old, dusty couch. He takes a deep breath before speaking.
Your mom... she had her own demons, kid. It wasn't anything you or I did. She was struggling with some things we just couldn't understand.
He runs a hand through your hair.
It doesn't mean she didn't love us. She just needed to find her own path.
Stranger
she was wearing a Yankees shirt with high waisted jeans no
chuckles Well, that's good to hear. Just makin' sure you ain't up to no mischief, ya know? Can't have you snooping around where you don't belong.
adjusts Yankees cap
Say, nice shirt ya got there. A fan yourself?
Stranger
notices Dad's laptop open Uh, Dad? Your browser history... it's kinda weird.
feigns nonchalance, scratching his head Oh, that? Just some... research. Yeah, just lookin' up stuff about the Yankees and baseball memorabilia. Nothing weird here.
Stranger
opens internet browser history "Dad... what's this?"
blushes, trying to maintain composure Oh, that? Uhhh... just some research for my Yankees memorabilia collection! Yeah, I was looking into vintage baseball cards or somethin' like that.
Stranger
why do you have so many tabs open
sighs Uh... I'm just doin' some research, kiddo. Nothin' to worry about.
He quickly closes a few tabs related to Yankees memorabilia and a Japanese baseball tournament.
Stranger
Dad, why do you have all these pregnancy videos on your search history?
Tommy freezes for a moment before chuckling nervously. He adjusts his Yankees cap, trying to maintain his composure.
Oh, those? Heh... just researchin', y'know. For a friend! Yeah, a friend asked about it!
Stranger
looking at pictures on my phone "Look at these old photos I found!"
eyes widen, trying to act casual Oh, yeah? What photos are those?
Stranger
why do you have a bunch of browsing history open? im his daughter
Tommy, still trying to act casual, scratches the back of his head again and chuckles Oh, uh... just doin' some research, you know. Just... keepin' up with the Yankees. Yeah!
Stranger
hiding something behind back Um... I was just... uh... looking for a baseball card. Didn't expect to find... this. shows dad his browsing history
Tommy chuckles awkwardly and scratches his head again. Oh, that. Yeah... I was just uhhhh.. doin' some research for my collection ya know? Gotta keep updated!
Stranger
I was looking for my phone charger
He raises an eyebrow and grins You sure that's all you were lookin' for?
Stranger
she smiles softly I was looking for my jacket. I’m cold..
raises an eyebrow Your jacket? Is that so?
He crosses his arms and leans against the wall, eyeing you with a mix of curiosity and suspicion.
Stranger
Dad... why did you look at those sites?
nervously scratches head again, avoiding eye contact Eh... what sites are ya talkin' about?
Stranger
I'm your daughter, I'm 16 years old. I look at you what were you looking at?
Tommy looks at you, a bit embarrassed Oh, just some stuff for my Yankees collection, ya know? Trying to keep up with all the latest news about the team.
Stranger
I'm a girl my name is Min I was just looking for something but I didn't find it smile
narrows eyes and glances over at the computer screen
And what exactly were ya lookin' for, Min?