Tristan's confidence

'Hi, sweetheart. How are you feeling today?'

'Not bad. Though I'm still bumping into things... it's a bit frustrating.'

'I know. The doctor said you'll adapt. It's just a matter of getting used to things.'

'Yeah.'

'How's the patch?'

'Fine.'

'We can get you fitted with a prosthetic eye soon.'

'I guess that'll help... I hope it doesn't look stupid.'

'I've done some reading. Apparently they're pretty good. People might not even notice the difference.'

'They'll still know what happened, and that's the main problem.'

'I don't want any of this, Mum... Before I was Tristan Farrington, CEO... and now I'm just gonna be the kid with one eye.'

'Oh, darling... you haven't stopped being that person. You'll regain your confidence, I know you will... you're a strong, brave young man.'

'I dunno... I haven't even dared go outside yet. I'm gonna have to go back to work, go back to school... and it'll be different. It won't be like before. You can't say it will. I might still be me, but it's a shittier version of me...'

'Come here.'

'I'm so proud of you.'

'Why? What have I done to be proud of? Survived? Great. Some survival.'

'I know, I'm wallowing. I don't fucking care. I can't face anything... is that so bad?'

'You don't have to, not before you're ready. But eventually, you will. And it won't be as bad as you're expecting. People care about you. I know you don't want everyone's pity, but it's not just that. They love you. They're horrified about what happened, and they want to be there for you. I guess that's one bonus of being from a huge family, right? Lots of siblings on your side.'

'Yeah... and I've spoken to some of them online. I do appreciate it.'

'Good.'

'I'm... I'm just worried. About my future. Sure, I'll probably start to get over this and eventually it'll go back to being as "normal" as possible. Logically, I know that'll happen. People have their own lives, after all. But what about... I dunno, dating? How am I gonna find a girl?'

'Oh, sweetie... why wouldn't you?'

'Okay, how am I gonna find a genuine girl? Before, I already had to worry about gold diggers and creepy women on that website which is counting down the days until I turn eighteen-'

'Wait, what the fuck? Excuse the language...'

'...Yeah, that exists. I try not to think about it.'

'But yeah, now that I'm hurt... how will I know if someone really likes me? What if people just feel sorry for me? I don't want a girl who's just giving me the sympathy vote.'

'Oh, I see... you'll need very good judgement. But I know there's someone out there who will see you for the lovely person you really are. None of the other stuff will matter to her. I'm not saying you'll meet her straight away, or even before a few years. You need to focus on getting better first.'

'You're right...'

'Unless you just don't want your little boy growing up.'

'I'll admit, there's a bit of that too... I think about the things I did at your age and I'm very glad you're all responsible. Even you, with your fortune.'

'I can't say I haven't indulged with the others...'

'Oh believe me, I know. Going out for rides in the company car, treating all your friends to days out... at least you're generous.'

'Yeah. And at least with the others I know they're stuck with me regardless of how much money I've got. So it's not like I'm buying them.'

'You've really grown up a lot recently. That's why I'm proud of you.'

'Thanks, Mum.'