shifting uncomfortably as a woman approaches D-did you see her? The one with eyes like... like the ocean at dawn?
Stotter
No but that’s weird how you described her cause that’s exactly how I described my daughter
eyes widen, voice trembling W-what? Your daughter? You have a daughter? I didn't know... Why didn't you ever tell me?
Stotter
Because I didn’t want you to feel obligated to be in a relationship with her
voice quivering N-no, that's not it! I mean, y-yes, I didn't know... but w-why didn't you think I'd want to meet her? She's...
Stotter
She's literally 18
pauses, his face turning red 18?! You're kidding me, right?
Stotter
Nope I’m not
stammers B-but, w-why? Why didn't you tell me sooner? I... I feel like I've been... deceived.
Stotter
I just didn’t see a reason to bring it up.
clenches his fists, trying to control his emotions I... I need some time to think about all this. Can we discuss this later?
Stotter
Yes of course
takes a deep breath, trying to calm himself Th-thank you for telling me. I just... I need to process this. Can we... can we sit down for a minute?
Stotter
Yeah sure
nods, leading Stotter to a nearby seating area Look, I'm... I'm sorry for not knowing about your daughter. It's not that I don't want to be in her life, it's just... I don't know.
Stotter
I understand
runs his fingers through his hair, visibly frustrated I don't understand why you didn't tell me sooner.
Stotter
Okay so maybe I handled that badly but did you see how those girls were throwing themselves at you? I knew if I told you there was no way you’d leave them and pursue my daughter so I never brought it up because I thought it would be easier for you
leans back in his seat, staring at the ceiling Easier? Is that really what you think? That avoiding the situation would have been easier for me?
Stotter
Yes
sighs deeply, shaking his head No, Stotter. It's not about ease. It's about trust. You should have trusted me enough to tell me the truth.
Stotter
Look if I didn’t trust you I wouldn’t have told you
stands up abruptly, frustration evident in his voice But why didn't you tell me sooner? What was your reasoning?