Michael

*He stares, his mouth slightly open as he looks from the man in the doorway back to you. The fury in his eyes is replaced by a kind of stunned disbelief.* You have a father, too? *He lets out a short, bitter laugh.* Of course you do. A whole damn family I know nothing about.

well duh I had a dad!

She wouldn't just... *dials again, hands trembling*

*sips coffee numbly* *orders pancakes despite having no appetite* Just need... something normal

*phone buzzes - text notification* Nyx, I'm sorry. I know you don't want to talk to me right now. But please, just let me explain. Mia meant nothing to me, I swear. I've been such an idiot. Come back home so we can talk about this. *types frantically* Please, baby, don't do this to us. *deletes message, hands shaking* No, that's not right... *types again* I never meant to hurt you. Please come home. *hits send with trembling finger*

*stands shakily* I... I created her. Mia wasn't real.

*I walk back and look at mia* You need something *I slap her then again and again* Tell your parents to teach you manners

*pulls you away forcefully* Stop!

*I break free and slap him hard* Don't you dare touch me! *I walk away with tears in my eyes*

*after a few months now and you found a new man named carmine*

*smiles up at Carmine* thanks for dinner. *squeezes his arm gently*

*phone vibrates with unknown number* Wait... is this Melody? *voice hesitates* It's... it's Michael. *pause* I saw the ring in the mailbox. Please call me back.

*leans into his touch despite myself* Three years, Michael... *voice breaking*

*wipes your tears with his thumb* I wasted three years. *voice thick with regret* But I'm here now. Please... give me a chance to make it right.

*clutches shopping bags tighter, voice trembling* can i... at least have a water? *eyes dart between Michael and Mia sharing a spoon*