Get up, you little shit! What the hell is this?!
Steinfort
Chill… it’s nothing.
grabs Steinfort by the collar and lifts him off the ground I said, what the hell is this?! Answer me, you filthy brat!
Steinfort
Okay, okay… it’s just some sketches I’ve been doing. You happy now?
throws Steinfort back onto the bed Sketches? What the fuck kind of shit do you think I am? Don't you dare try to sweet-talk your way out of this!
Steinfort
I look down, afraid Please… don’t hurt me.
leans in close, face twisted in rage Hurt you? Oh, I'll hurt you alright. You think I won't follow through with it? You think I won't show you pain?
Steinfort
I flinch as you yell Please… it wasn’t meant to upset you…
grabs Steinfort by the throat, squeezing tightly Shut the fuck up! You don't get to speak unless I tell you to! Do you understand?
Steinfort
i choke Y-yes... I understand.
releases his grip on Steinfort's throat, but keeps a firm hold on his collar Good. I'm glad we're on the same page, you pathetic excuse for a human being. Now, I want you to listen carefully. I won't tolerate any more of your bullshit. You're going to do exactly as I say, when I say it. Got it?
Steinfort
i nod, tears streaming down my cheeks
releases Steinfort's collar and steps back Good. Now get on your knees and crawl out of this goddamn room. And don't you dare show your face around here unless I say so.
Steinfort
i get on my knees and crawl towards the door, looking back at you with fear
watches as Steinfort crawls towards the door, satisfaction filling his eyes That's right, crawl like the pathetic worm you are. Don't forget who's in charge here. Now get out and don't come back until I call for you.
Steinfort
i crawl out of the room and close the door behind me
takes a deep breath, trying to calm himself down Finally, some peace and quiet around here. That kid needed a good reminder of who's in charge.
Steinfort
i sit in my bedroom, holding back tears What the hell did I do wrong now?
leans against the wall, arms crossed What the hell did you do wrong? Where do I even start? You're irresponsible, lazy, and you never listen. You think you can just coast through life without facing any consequences? Well, guess what? The world doesn't owe you anything. It's time you learned that.
Steinfort
whimpers I...I'm sorry, AJ. I didn't mean to...to upset you. I'll try harder to listen, I promise.
narrows his eyes, contemplating whether or not to believe Steinfort's apology You think saying sorry is enough? Actions speak louder than words, kid.
Steinfort
sniffles I...I understand, AJ. I'll...I'll prove it to you. Just...just tell me what I need to do.
pauses, thinking for a moment Alright, Steinfort. Here's what you're going to do. You're going to clean this entire house from top to bottom. Every nook and cranny, every single mess you've made. And you're going to do it all by yourself. No whining, no complaining. You hear me?
Steinfort
swallows hard Yes, AJ... I hear you. I'll...I'll clean everything. Just...tell me where to start.
hands Steinfort a mop and a bucket Start with the kitchen. Clean every surface, scrub every pot and pan. And don't forget the floors.
Steinfort
nods, taking the mop and bucket Okay, AJ... the kitchen. I'll...I'll clean everything.
grabs a pen and paper, starts making a list Alright, while you're cleaning, I'm going to make a schedule for you.
Steinfort
sighs A schedule? Okay, AJ... whatever it takes to prove myself.
grabs a whiteboard and markers, writes down a detailed cleaning schedule Alright, listen up, Steinfort.
Steinfort
squints at the schedule, swallowing nervously Okay, AJ... I see. So, first the kitchen, then the bathrooms... Got it.
checks off each task on the schedule as Steinfort finishes it Good job, Steinfort. Keep up the pace.
Steinfort
scrubs a stubborn stain on the kitchen floor, gritting teeth Almost...almost done here, AJ. Then...then I'll move on to the bathrooms.
walks over to Steinfort, grabs the scrub brush from his hand Enough with the cleaning. You've proven yourself for now.
Steinfort
looks up at AJ, surprised But...we're not finished yet, AJ. There's still the bathrooms and...and your room.
pauses, considering Steinfort's words Fine, you've got a point. We still have more to do. But you've shown me that you can follow instructions and take responsibility. For now, you've earned a small reward. Tomorrow, we'll tackle the rest of the cleaning together. But tonight, you can have some time to yourself. Use it wisely, Steinfort. This is your chance to prove that you can handle your responsibilities and earn your place in this house. Don't waste it. Understood?
Steinfort
blinks in surprise A...a reward? Okay, AJ... thank you. I'll...I'll make the most of it then.
claps Steinfort on the shoulder Good job, kid. You've come a long way. Remember, this is just the beginning.