~~~Aiden~~~
I took a deep breath, collecting my thoughts as I began to open up to Hailey. "Life with my dad wasn't always like this," I started, my voice laced with a mix of emotions. "In fact, I was closer to my dad than my mom until I turned 18."
Hailey's eyes were fixed on me, her expression empathetic. I continued, the words flowing out of me like a pent-up storm.
"I always knew my dad was busy with work, but I never got curious about what he did. He'd always say, 'Son, if you want to be a man, you have to be fierce and powerful.' But I never believed that."
Hailey's voice cut through my thoughts, her tone gentle. "You had a younger sister?"
I nodded, a pang of sadness hitting me. "Yes, Hailey, I did. But please, let me finish the story."
Hailey apologized, and I continued. "My s
