Scene 1: A Fragmented Morning
[Setting: Adrian's apartment, early morning.]
Adrian awoke with the letter from his father still clutched in his hand, the edges crumpled from his restless grip. The sunlight streaming through the blinds felt intrusive, forcing him into a reality he wasn't prepared to face. He ran his fingers through his hair, trying to shake off the remnants of the turbulent dreams that had plagued him. His mother's voice, faint and distorted, echoed in his mind, mingled with Richard's.
He tossed the letter onto the coffee table, as if distancing himself from it would erase its existence. "Why now?" he muttered to himself.
A knock on the door startled him, cutting through his thoughts. Adrian froze, instinctively wary. Another knock followed, louder this time. Sighing, he trudged to the door and peeked through the peephole. It was Kai, holding a bag of pastries and coffee.
"Morning," Kai said with a sheepish grin as Adrian opened the door. "Thought you might need some fuel after yesterday."
Adrian's expression softened. "Thanks. Come in."
As Kai stepped inside, his eyes landed on the letter. "What's that?" he asked casually, though his tone carried a hint of concern.
Adrian hesitated, debating whether to share. "It's… from my father."
Kai's brows furrowed. "The one who—?"
"Yes," Adrian interrupted, his tone sharper than intended. "The one who left."
Kai nodded, understanding Adrian's boundaries without pushing further.
Scene 2: The Ghost of Richard
[Setting: Adrian's apartment, later that morning.]
Adrian sat at the table, coffee untouched. The letter lay open in front of him, its words taunting him.
"Do you think people can change?" Adrian asked suddenly, breaking the silence.
Kai looked up from his pastry, surprised by the question. "Depends. Are we talking about your dad?"
Adrian nodded. "He says he has answers about my mom. But after all these years, why now? It feels... calculated."
Kai leaned back, thoughtful. "Maybe it is. Or maybe he's trying to make amends. Either way, it's your call. But if it were me, I'd want to know what he has to say. Closure is... important."
Adrian's gaze lingered on Kai, grateful for his steady presence. "You're right. I'll meet him. But on my terms."
Scene 3: Uneasy Alliances
[Setting: A quiet café in the city, that afternoon.]
Adrian sat in a corner booth, his nerves simmering beneath a calm exterior. The café was sparsely populated, the ambient noise of clinking cups and soft chatter providing a veneer of normalcy.
Richard arrived, his figure instantly recognizable despite the years. His once-dark hair was now streaked with gray, his face lined with age and regret. He approached the table hesitantly, as if afraid Adrian might bolt.
"Adrian," Richard said, his voice carrying a weight of guilt.
"Richard," Adrian replied, deliberately avoiding the word 'dad.'
Richard flinched but sat down. For a moment, neither spoke, the silence stretching between them like a chasm.
"I know I don't deserve this meeting," Richard began, his hands trembling slightly as he clasped them on the table. "But I need to tell you the truth about your mother."
Adrian's jaw tightened. "The truth? Like how you abandoned us and left her to fend for herself?"
Richard sighed, the guilt in his eyes deepening. "It's more complicated than that. I left because I was scared. But I didn't know..." He trailed off, his voice breaking.
"Didn't know what?" Adrian pressed, his voice rising.
Richard glanced around nervously before leaning in. "Your mother's death—it wasn't an accident. It was murder."
Scene 4: Shattered Reality
[Setting: The café, moments later.]
Adrian's heart raced, his mind struggling to process Richard's words. "What are you talking about?"
"She was targeted," Richard said, his voice low. "She had something—information, documents—I don't know exactly what, but it was dangerous. She tried to protect you by keeping it hidden, but they found out. That's why I left. To draw them away from you."
Adrian's fists clenched. "You expect me to believe that you abandoned us out of some twisted sense of protection? You were a coward."
Richard didn't deny it. "I was. But I'm here now to make it right. I've been investigating, trying to find out who was behind it. I think they're still watching."
Adrian's stomach churned. "You're saying my mother died because of some... conspiracy? And now they're watching me?"
Richard nodded grimly. "That's why I need you to be careful. And why I need your help."
Adrian stood abruptly, his chair scraping against the floor. "I don't owe you anything."
"Adrian, please," Richard pleaded. "At least take this." He slid a small envelope across the table.
Adrian hesitated before snatching it up. Without another word, he stormed out of the café, leaving Richard behind.
Scene 5: A Friend's Comfort
[Setting: Kai's apartment, later that evening.]
Adrian paced the living room, the envelope still unopened in his hand. Kai watched him, concern etched on his face.
"What did he say?" Kai asked gently.
Adrian stopped, his shoulders tense. "He said my mom was murdered. That she was... involved in something dangerous."
Kai's eyes widened. "Do you believe him?"
"I don't know," Adrian admitted, his voice cracking. "But if there's even a chance it's true, I need to find out."
Kai stood and placed a comforting hand on Adrian's shoulder. "You don't have to do this alone."
Adrian met Kai's gaze, the warmth and sincerity there easing some of his turmoil. "Thank you," he said softly.
Kai smiled. "Always."
Scene 6: A New Resolve
[Setting: Adrian's apartment, late at night.]
Adrian sat at his desk, the envelope Richard had given him now open. Inside was a photograph of his mother holding a young Adrian, along with a small key and a cryptic note: "The truth lies where the past was left behind."
Adrian stared at the items, his mind racing. He didn't trust Richard, but he couldn't ignore the possibility that his mother's death was more than he had been led to believe.
As the clock struck midnight, Adrian made a silent vow. Whatever it took, he would uncover the truth.
And he wouldn't let anyone, not even Richard, manipulate him again.
---
[Fade to black.]