EL PARQUE

S1, E9 - Homecoming

The rusty mailbox outside the Castillo trailer squeaked open, and Harper reached in, expecting just the usual bills and junk mail. But her fingers brushed against a crisp envelope with elegant handwriting spelling out her name. Her brow furrowed as she tore it open and began reading.

"Dear Harper, I know I have a lot to make up for..."

Harper's breath caught in her throat as she realized who the letter was from - her estranged father, Roberto Castillo. The man who had walked out on them over eight years ago without a word.

As she continued reading, Harper felt a torrent of emotions wash over her. Roberto expressed deep remorse for his absence and begged for a chance to explain himself, to reconnect after all this time. He had moved to a new place, he said, and invited Harper to come visit so they could talk in person.

Part of Harper burned with resentment at his audacity. But another part felt a flicker of hope - maybe she could finally get the answers and closure she'd craved for so long. With trembling hands, she tucked the letter back into its envelope, her mind swirling.

***

"Are you out of your damn mind?" Ellie exclaimed when Harper broke the news at dinner that evening. "After everything that deadbeat put us through? We live in a shitty trailer for fucks sake because of that pendejo!"

"Ellie," Lenny chided, though her eyes were laced with concern. "Let Harper explain."

As Harper relayed the contents of the letter, reactions varied across the mismatched kitchen table. Milo and Finn watched with inquisitive expressions, having few memories of their father. But Ellie bristled with anger while Lenny seemed distrustful.

"He's just going to bring more chaos into our lives!" Ellie ranted. "We're finally getting by without him!"

"I'm not saying I'll forgive him," Harper replied evenly. "But don't you want to know why he really left? Maybe get some closure?"

Lenny placed a calming hand on Ellie's arm. "Harper's right. We at least owe it to ourselves to hear him out, for better or worse."

An uneasy silence fell over the table before Finn piped up. "Well, I kinda want to meet the guy. You know, have my own opinion. I don't really know him besides what you guys said."

Slowly, the siblings turned towards Harper, letting her make the final decision. She drew a steadying breath. "I'm going to accept his invitation. But I'll understand if the rest of you don't want to come."

***

Harper's knuckles hovered before the weathered door of the apartment building. Part of her still wasn't sure this was a good idea. But another part needed to confront the ghost of her past once and for all.

The door swung open, and there he was - Roberto Castillo in the flesh after eight long years. His dark hair was peppered with gray, and faint lines creased the corners of his eyes and mouth. But Harper would recognize that gentle smile anywhere.

"Harper..." Roberto uttered her name like a prayer with his heavy Mexican accent, drinking in the sight of his daughter, now a young woman. He enveloped her in an awkward embrace, and Harper felt herself tense before reluctantly returning the hug.

As they settled on the worn sofa, Roberto couldn't stop studying her face, his eyes brimming with equal parts joy and remorse. Harper struggled to meet his gaze, looking anywhere but those piercing eyes that had once watched over her so adoringly as a child.

"You've grown into such a remarkable young lady," Roberto said thickly. "I'm so sorry I missed so much..."

An uneasy silence stretched between them, eight years of unspoken history hanging in the air like a thick fog. Finally, Harper found her voice, the words tumbling out in a torrent of long-repressed anger and hurt.