The air is soft with sunlight, kids are laughing, dogs barking in the distance. A MAN in his mid-30s, casually dressed, is kneeling beside a 6-year-old boy as they play with a remote control car on the path. A WOMAN in her 50s, walking briskly with a tote bag and sunglasses, slows as she approaches them.
WOMAN:
(smiling tightly, voice laced with concern)
Hi there, sweetie. Where’s your father?
BOY:
(points to the man right next to him)
He’s right here.
MAN:
(straightening up, a little confused)
Yeah, I’m his dad. Can I help you with something?
WOMAN:
(blinks, then frowns)
You’re his father?
MAN:
Yes.
WOMAN:
(skeptical, voice lowering slightly)
Is everything okay here? Are you… supposed to be with him?
BOY:
(innocently)
He’s my dad. We come here all the time.
MAN:
(steadily, trying to stay calm)
Look, I don’t know what you’re implying, but this is my son. We’re just playing with his new car. That’s all.
WOMAN:
(suspicious)
I’m just trying to make sure he’s safe. You can never be too careful these days. Are you sure you’re not—?
MAN:
(interrupting, more firmly)
No. I’m not trying to kidnap anyone. I’m a father spending time with his child. Period.
WOMAN:
(coldly, backing away but still eyeing them)
Alright… if you say so.
She walks off, still glancing over her shoulder. The man exhales slowly. The boy looks up at him.
BOY:
Why did she think you weren’t my dad?
MAN:
(kneels back down beside him, sighs)
Some people only see what they want to see, kiddo. Come on—let’s show that car what it can really do.
