The haunting of father Frank. (Frank X Eddie)

7

Frank was zoned out, staring blankly ahead as Sunny rambled on and on, his voice a constant, buzzing hum in the background. Something about properly curling his feathers—that was what Sunny was fixated on today. Frank, though, wasn't absorbing much of it.

"Are you listening?" Sunny asked, breaking Frank's reverie.

Frank blinked, turning his head slightly. "Yes, Sunny," he replied, but his gaze quickly drifted forward again, his mind miles away.

Sunny didn't seem convinced. "Hmm... Well, I hope you paid attention to the part where we need to discuss where we're going to celebrate Susie's birthday today," Sunny continued, his tone carrying an air of importance.

Frank glanced at him sideways, mildly irritated. "It's Sally," he corrected flatly.

"Same thing, Susie, Sally—*cual es la diferencia?*" Sunny waved his hand dismissively, his casual attitude making Frank half roll his eyes in response.

Frank sighed inwardly, adjusting his pace, trying to shake the lethargy that was weighing him down. He just wanted to get through this conversation, nothing more.

"So, Frankie," Sunny began, his voice dropping into a more mischievous tone, "have you ever indulged in the life of sin?"

Frank shot him a side-eye. "Why are you asking me that?"

"You haven't taken your vows yet, yes?" Sunny's smile widened

"Yes...?" Frank replied cautiously, not liking where this was going.

"Well," Sunny said, leaning in as if they were exchanging a great secret, "there's a bar opening nearby. Free drinks tonight for the owner's birthday. Why don't you come with me? Be my plus one."

Frank frowned. "I'd rather not."

"Oh, come on, Frankie..." Sunny's voice took on a coaxing, playful edge. "Te verías tan linda borracha," he teased.

Frank's jaw tightened. "Me and Eddie are going to the market today. Probably before sundown," he said curtly

"Ah, Eddie." Sunny's tone shifted, a knowing grin spreading across his face. "Big Eddie."

Frank shot him a sharp look. "He's not big," he said firmly, feeling the need to defend Eddie from whatever was coming next.

"You're right, he isn't," Sunny said, his grin growing wider. "He's... poofy."

Frank's brows furrowed further. "Sunny, where are we going to talk about Sally's party?" he asked, trying to steer the conversation back to something sensible.

"The lounging area," Sunny replied casually, as if the answer should've been obvious.

Frank's frown deepened. "Can we go to the pastor's office instead?"

Sunny let out a dramatic groan. "Nooo, that's boring! After what I heard about your little breakdown on your second day, it'd be spooky to go in there." Sunny smirked, clearly amused by Frank's discomfort.

Frank's face darkened, his unibrow knitting together tightly.

Sunny glanced at Frank and noticed the shift in his mood "Why so serious, Frankie? You're always so wound up," he said

Frank scoffed. "I'm not 'wound up,' I'm just... focused."

Sunny raised an eyebrow. "Focused on what? Not having any fun? You're so stuck in your head all the time, it's like you forget how to live a little."

"I'm living just fine," Frank shot back, his tone sharper than before.

"Well, if you're living, then why not come with me to the bar for just one drink? Just one," Sunny suggested, his tone light but persistent.