>a few years ago...
>it was test day
>biting your pen, you swing your legs at the kitchen table
"Which novel features the character Holden Caulfield?"
>your dad was cooking up some lunch, looking back at you
>"If you get an A, I'll buy you any video game you want."
>you sniff in acknowledgment
"Thanks, Dad."
>it doesn't take long to finish up, all other questions pretty light
>you hand it to your dad as he plates the food
>he looks it over, nodding occasionally
>slapping it down, he smiles at you
>"96%. Good job, Eve."
>forcing a smile in return, you take your plate from him
>with keen sense, your dad placed a hand on your back
>"What's the matter, Eve?"
"I... I want to go to a real school."
>calmly, Dad puts his plate down, looking at you curiously
>"Why so, Eventide?"
"I wanna have real friends, Dad. I don't want to be stuck here forever."
>your dad honestly looks hurt by this
>"Sweetie, you know full well why that can't happen."
>you snarl and turn
"Fine. If you need me, I'll be in my personal locker room."
>you didn't want to understand it, but your mom essentially ruined your childhood
>you open the door to your room and clear your desk
>your vision begins to blur
"I don't w-wanna be a homeschooled freak a-anymore..."
>a large hand rests on your shoulder
>"You're no freak, Eventide."
>you gasp and turn around to the smiling, lightly scruffy face of your dad
>"Honey, I was thinking it was about time I gave you this."
>placing a small object in your hand, he backs up a bit
>it was his beloved 2005 class right
>speechless, you try and form words
"B... b-bu..."
>Dad holds up a hand
>"You deserve it."
>bursting into tears, you hug your father
"I'm sorry, Dad! I didn't mean what I said down there..."
>"It's alright."
>wrapping his tree trunk arms around you, you couldn't feel safer
>"I love you, my little burning passion fruit."