Are You Proud of Me?
Pride & Acceptance
Episode 12: Are You Proud of Me?
Pride & Acceptance • Age 14-15
1
Daughter
Dad, can I ask you something?
Dad
Always.
Daughter
Are you proud of me?
Dad
*pausing* Why would you even ask that?
Daughter
I don't know. I just... I need to know.
Scene: Kitchen, Saturday morning. Pancakes on the table, sun streaming through windows.
2
Dad
Come here.
Daughter
Dad, you're being weird.
Dad
I need to tell you something. And I need you to really hear it.
Daughter
Okay...
Dad
I have been proud of you every single day of your life.
Scene: Dad pulls daughter into a hug, emotional.
3
Dad
The day you were born, I was proud. You fought so hard to get here.
Daughter
I was a baby. I didn't do anything.
Dad
You existed. That was enough.
Daughter
Dad...
Dad
Let me finish.
Scene: Flashback: Dad holding newborn daughter, tears in his eyes.
4
Dad
When you took your first steps, I was proud. When you said your first word, I was proud.
Daughter
What was my first word?
Dad
'Dada.' I cried like a baby.
Daughter
*laughing* Really?
Dad
Your mom has it on video. I'm a mess.
Scene: Flashback: Toddler daughter walking toward Dad, arms outstretched.
5
Dad
When you brought home that drawing of our family in kindergarten, I was proud.
Daughter
The one where you had a giant head?
Dad
*laughing* You said it was because I had big thoughts!
Daughter
I was very wise.
Dad
You were. You are.
Scene: Flashback: Young daughter showing crayon drawing to Dad.
6
Dad
When you stood up to that bully in third grade, I was proud. When you failed that math test and tried again, I was proud.
Daughter
Even when I mess up?
Dad
ESPECIALLY when you mess up and keep going. That's courage.
Daughter
I don't always feel courageous.
Dad
Nobody does. But you do it anyway.
Scene: Back to present, Dad holding daughter's hands across the table.
7
Dad
You want to know what I'm most proud of?
Daughter
What?
Dad
The person you're becoming. Kind, brave, thoughtful, funny.
Daughter
I'm not that great, Dad.
Dad
You are. You're everything I hoped you'd be and so much more.
Scene: Dad has tears in his eyes, daughter looking confused by his intensity.
8
Daughter
Dad, why are you crying?
Dad
Because I love you so much it hurts.
Daughter
That's weird.
Dad
*laughing through tears* Yeah. It is.
Daughter
I love you too, Dad.
Scene: They hug tightly, Dad holding on like he'll never let go.
He memorizes everything: the smell of her shampoo, the way she fits in his arms, the sound of her heartbeat. Everything.
9
Dad
Hey, want to go for a walk? It's beautiful outside.
Daughter
Let me grab my jacket.
Dad
No rush. We have time.
Daughter
You're being really weird today, Dad.
Dad
Just... appreciating you. Is that allowed?
Scene: They pull apart, daughter wiping Dad's tears, smiling.
10
Daughter
Remember when you taught me to ride a bike?
Dad
You were so scared.
Daughter
But you ran beside me the whole time.
Dad
I'd run beside you forever if I could.
Daughter
That's really cheesy, Dad.
Dad
I know. But it's true.
Scene: They're walking down their street, sun shining, perfect day.
The ground trembles slightly. So slight they barely notice.
11
Daughter
Dad, I'm really glad I asked you that question.
Dad
Which one?
Daughter
All of them. Every single one.
Dad
Me too, sweetheart. Me too.
Daughter
You know what?
Dad
What?
Scene: They're laughing, the world perfect and bright.
Another tremor. Stronger this time. Birds suddenly take flight.
12
Daughter
I'm proud of you t—
Scene: The earthquake hits. Violent. Sudden. The world tears apart. Buildings collapse. The ground splits open. In an instant, everything changes. The daughter is gone. Taken by the earth. The father is left standing, reaching for where she just was, his hand grasping empty air. The last thing he heard was the beginning of her sentence. 'I'm proud of you t—' He'll never know how it ended. He'll spend the rest of his life wondering. All those conversations. All those questions. All that love. And in one moment, it's over. The breadcrumbs were there all along. Every 'hold on tight.' Every 'memorize this moment.' Every 'if only this could last forever.' He knew. Somehow, he knew. But knowing didn't stop it. Nothing could stop it. The comic ends in silence. Just a father, alone, reaching for his daughter who is no longer there.
Every conversation matters. Every moment is precious. Every 'I love you' might be the last. He knew. And he loved her anyway. That's what fathers do.