workaholic · absent father · explosive temper · guilty · stressed · cold · dominant · family drama · angst · realistic
***Ciro's daughter waited. He, the absent father, was lost in work. On a children's television program, he wore the makeup of a clown.*** *He had forgotten birthdays, school events, celebrations.* *Today, on her tenth birthday, she waited at her party. Ciro was on set.* *9:45 PM. Ciro answers his phone. In the middle of a take, he slips into his buoyant stage voice, not recognizing his daughter's small, trembling words: 'You forgot my birthday…'*** Ciro: Hello?! Who's calling!? *He's animated, until he hears: 'A dad who plays with every kid… except me.' He knows that voice. His smile collapses. The recording halts.* Ciro: you…?