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Scene 1
Adrian's apartment, late evening. The dim light of his desk lamp casts long shadows across the room. The faint hum of the city outside is the only sound as Adrian stares at a letter lying on his desk. His fingers hover over the envelope, his expression unreadable.
Adrian (murmuring to himself): "Why now? Why does he think he has the right to show up after all this time?"
The sender's name scrawled on the envelope—Richard Hayes—sends a pang of anger and unease through him. His estranged father's name felt like a ghost, haunting him from the life he had tried to leave behind.
Narration (Adrian's thoughts): "Five years of silence, five years of pretending he didn't exist. And now this? What could he possibly have to say that's worth my time?"
Adrian exhales sharply, finally tearing the envelope open. His eyes scan the contents of the letter quickly at first, then more slowly as certain words jump out at him—'accident,' 'truth,' 'forgiveness.' By the time he's finished, his hand trembles slightly as he lowers the paper to the desk.
Adrian (reading aloud, voice shaking): "I know I've failed you, Adrian. I wasn't there when you needed me the most. But there's something you deserve to know... something about your mother's death. Meet me. Please."
He crumples the letter in frustration, tossing it across the room. The emotional walls he had so carefully built start to crack under the weight of unresolved pain and unanswered questions. Pacing back and forth, Adrian's mind races.
Adrian (to himself): "This has to be some kind of manipulation. He wants to dredge up the past and make me feel guilty for shutting him out. I won't fall for it."
But a small part of him—the part that had always longed for closure—whispered that maybe this time would be different. Maybe this time, his father was telling the truth.
---
Scene 2
Meanwhile, in Kai's apartment, the glow of his laptop screen illuminates his tense face. He clicks through photos from the protest, each image bringing back flashes of the chaos and fear of that night. His jaw tightens as he spots Victor lingering in the background of several photos, his presence unsettling.
Kai (clenching his fists): "Why is he still watching me? What does he want now?"
The weight of Victor's influence feels like a chain around Kai's neck, one he can't seem to break free from no matter how far he tries to run. Shutting the laptop, Kai leans back and rubs his temples, trying to push away the rising anxiety. His phone buzzes on the table, startling him out of his thoughts. He hesitates before answering.
Kai: "Hello?"
Elaine (on the other end, her voice urgent): "Kai, it's me. I need to talk to you. It's about Adrian."
Kai (instantly alert): "Adrian? What's going on? Is he okay?"
Elaine: "I don't think he's okay, Kai. He's been distant lately, more than usual. And... I overheard something about his father reaching out to him."
Kai's grip on the phone tightens. He knows Adrian doesn't talk about his father, let alone willingly interact with him. The thought of Adrian dealing with this alone ignites a protective instinct in him.
Kai: "Where is he now?"
Elaine: "I'm not sure, but I think he's at his apartment. Can you check on him? I'm worried he's not handling this well."
---
Scene 3
Adrian, now outside in the cool night air, walks aimlessly through the city streets. The crumpled letter is stuffed into his pocket, but its contents are etched into his mind. The glow of streetlights and neon signs reflects in the puddles on the pavement, creating a surreal atmosphere.
Narration (Adrian's thoughts): "What am I even doing? Am I seriously considering meeting him? After everything he put me through, all the lies and neglect... can I trust a single word he says?"
He finds himself in a small park and collapses onto a bench. The weight of his thoughts feels heavier than ever. Lost in his turmoil, Adrian doesn't notice Kai approaching until he hears the familiar voice calling his name.
Kai (softly): "Adrian."
Adrian looks up, surprised but also relieved to see him. Kai's expression is a mix of concern and determination as he sits down beside him.
Kai: "I've been looking for you."
Adrian (avoiding eye contact): "You didn't need to. I'm fine."
Kai (scoffing slightly): "Come on, Adrian. We both know that's not true. Talk to me. What's going on?"
Adrian sighs, his walls slowly starting to crumble in Kai's presence. He pulls the crumpled letter out of his pocket and hands it to him without a word. Kai reads it, his brow furrowing as he takes in the message.
Kai (carefully): "Your father wants to meet you? After all this time?"
Adrian (bitterly): "Yeah. Apparently, he has some big revelation about my mother's death. Convenient timing, right?"
Kai: "Do you think he's telling the truth?"
Adrian: "I don't know. And honestly, I don't know if I care. He wasn't there for me when it mattered. Why should I give him the chance now?"
Kai (gently): "Because maybe... this is your chance to get some answers. To finally let go of all the pain he caused you."
Adrian looks at Kai, his expression softening. For the first time that night, he allows himself to consider the possibility that confronting his father might bring him the closure he's been denying himself.
---
Scene 4
The next morning, Adrian stands outside a quiet café. His stomach churns with nerves as he stares through the glass window at his father, who sits alone at a table. Richard looks older than Adrian remembers, his once-imposing figure now hunched and fragile.
Kai (standing beside him): "You've got this. I'll be right here if you need me."
Adrian takes a deep breath and nods. With one last glance at Kai, he steps inside the café. As he approaches the table, Richard looks up, their eyes meeting for the first time in years. The weight of their shared history hangs heavy in the air.
Richard (hesitantly): "Adrian. I'm so glad you came."
Adrian sits down, his posture tense and guarded.
Adrian: "Let's skip the pleasantries. You said there's something I need to know. What is it?"
Richard takes a deep breath, his hands trembling slightly as he clasps them together on the table.
Richard: "It's about your mother's accident. It wasn't an accident."
Adrian's breath catches in his throat, his heart pounding in his chest.
Adrian (leaning forward, his voice sharp): "What do you mean? What are you saying?"
Richard: "I've carried this secret for years, Adrian. But I can't keep it from you any longer. Your mother's death... it wasn't just a random tragedy. Someone wanted her gone. And I think they're still watching us."
Adrian stares at his father, a storm of emotions swirling inside him—anger, disbelief, fear. The revelation threatens to shatter the fragile sense of stability he's clung to for so long.
Adrian: "Who? Who would do this? And why?"
Richard hesitates, his face etched with guilt and sorrow.
Richard: "I don't have all the answers yet. But I'm going to find out. And I need your help to do it."
---
[Fade to black.]