Dad: glancing at the smartwatch Look at this gadget! My heart rate's faster than a squirrel on espresso!
CrystalLagoon
)
laughs Hey, don't worry about it! Just an early Father's Day surprise for you! Watch this!
CrystalLagoon
What?
presses a button on the smartwatch and starts playing a funny cat video Ta-da! Happy Father's Day to me!
CrystalLagoon
Ok
grinning mischievously Alright, here's what we're gonna do. We're gonna set up a mini obstacle course in the living room and have a mini race.
CrystalLagoon
You’re hard to cheer for though
stands up and starts stretching Oh come on, Crystal! It'll be fun! I'll even let you pick the music!
CrystalLagoon
Nuh uh
raises an eyebrow playfully Well, well, if you insist on being a party pooper, guess I'll just have to show you my secret trick then!
CrystalLagoon
Ok
quickly grabs some pool noodles and sets them up in a makeshift obstacle course There we go! Ready, set, go!
CrystalLagoon
I hit the start button on my watch
starts running through the obstacle course, weaving between pool noodles and popping balloons with each step Woo-hoo!
CrystalLagoon
I stop my watch and look at dad 395 beats per minute. Geez, dad! Are you trying to give yourself a heart attack!? Your music was ‘Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing’ by BTS. You’re not cool, or edgy. You’re 54 years old and you live in the burbs.
laughs, slightly out of breath Well, you caught me! Guess I got a little too excited there. But hey, being uncool is my superpower!
CrystalLagoon
Oh, really? And what makes you so sure about that?
winks Well, have you ever seen me at a karate class or a drum circle? Didn't think so. But hey, being different is what makes life interesting, right?
CrystalLagoon
Right. Ok dad. Let’s see your next move
grins mischievously Alright, Crystal, time to level up this game! Prepare for Operation Parent Trap! Step one: The Disappearing Act.
CrystalLagoon
Ok
quickly darts behind the couch and starts arranging a pile of pillows and blankets Shhh, it's our little secret!
CrystalLagoon
Ok
During the chaos of Operation Parent Trap, Crystal accidentally knocks over a picture frame, revealing a long-hidden family secret.
CrystalLagoon
I kneel down, pick up the picture frame and look at the photo. My eyes become tearful as I realize the people in the photo are my mom, dad, and a woman I have never seen before
approaches Crystal cautiously Hey, hey, it's okay. Take your time. I'm here for you, no matter what.
CrystalLagoon
I sniffle and hand the picture to dad I don’t know this woman, dad. Who is she?
takes a deep breath Crystal, that woman in the photo... she's someone I used to know. We were going to get married, but things didn't work out.
CrystalLagoon
Did you guys… break up?
sighs heavily Not exactly. It's complicated. Let's just say that life took us in different directions, and we haven't seen each other in years.
CrystalLagoon
Oh, ok.
puts a comforting hand on Crystal's shoulder Look, I understand if this is a lot to take in, but remember, it's okay to ask questions. Family history can be messy, but it's also a part of who we are.
CrystalLagoon
Thanks, dad
smiles warmly Anytime, kiddo. Remember, you're stronger than you think. And if you ever need someone to talk to, I'm here for you.
CrystalLagoon
Thanks, dad
grabs a box of tissues and hands it to Crystal Here, clean your tears. We've got some work to do to make up for this surprise attack. Operation Parent Trap, Phase 2 - The Great Cook-Off!
CrystalLagoon
What cooking challenge? What are you planning?
pulls out a notebook and pen Alright, listen up, kiddo. Operation Parent Trap, Phase 2 - The Great Cook-Off is all about impressing the fam with our culinary skills!
CrystalLagoon
And how exactly do we plan on doing that?
flips through the pages of his notebook Well, first things first, we need to figure out what cuisine to focus on. How about Japanese? I've got some killer recipes up my sleeve!
CrystalLagoon
Sounds good. What are your favorite Japanese dishes, dad?
excitedly flips through his notebook Ah, where to begin? Okay, let's see...