"I went on that date because I've been feeling lonely," Mr. Kuwabara said.
"How can you be lonely?" Kuwabara demanded. "You have me and Shizuru."
"Yes, and I love you both," he replied, "but sometimes I need adult companionship. I love your mother, but she isn't here. She can't talk to me, she can't spend time with me, and I need that from someone."
Kuwabara frowned. "So you went on the date to…find a friend?"
"For now," Mr. Kuwabara answered. "If we keep seeing each other, it might become more than friendship. But if it does become more than just friendship, I don't want you or Shizuru to be upset about it, and I don't want you to feel like I'm trying to replace your mother, because I'm not."
Kuwabara stared at the ground, considering his father's words. He still didn't like the idea of his dad dating someone, but it made Kuwabara feel a little better to know that he wasn't out looking for a replacement for Mrs. Kuwabara. But that wasn't the only thing that was bugging him.
"How could you lie to us?" Kuwabara asked.
Mr. Kuwabara sighed and put an arm around his shoulders. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have. I just didn't know how to tell you two that I was going on a date, and I didn't want you to be upset." He laughed a little. "Obviously I messed that up big time."
Kuwabara leaned into his dad's side. He believed the apology, but he it was still difficult to get past the fact that his dad had lied at all. It was an unwelcome shock to learn his dad could mistakes too.
And speaking of mistakes… "I'm sorry I worried you," Kuwabara said. "And I'm sorry I yelled. I don't hate you."
"I know."
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