[ one of his hands lift, but hesitates in reaching out. they're strangers, and he doesn't know how it would be received, but that sound he makes aches. ]

I hope I've been a good father, [ he admits after a moment, quiet. ] I've made a lot of mistakes, I know. I didn't tell him I love him nearly often enough, and I got-- I got so tied up with work sometimes.. [ a small, brittle laugh. ] You can have all the money in the world and still have no idea how to be a single parent.

[ he rubs a hand over his face, sighing. ] Anyway. What should I call you?