Dougal woke up from another slow, torturous night. He also couldn't sleep too soon because he was afraid that his mother would actually break into his room and beat him. 

     Gosh, that was a horrible feeling to face. 

     Anyways, at least it was the morning. He decided to go right to his Dad to ask if today is the day he is going to see his grandmother in the hospital. He hoped his Dad brung up the courage to say yes, unlike his mother. He hoped his father was able to get away with the plan as well. That he and Dougal were able to go see Dougal's grandmother without his mother ever knowing it ever happened. Although, the men at the cash registers may tell Dougal's mother about their plan, anyways. So, they'd be screwed either way. But Dougal could only hope that it'd all work. 

     He sees his father making his coffee, and pouring the finished coffee in a cup. Dougal gulped, but was able to bring up the courage to go to him. 

     "Dougal son, what is it?" his father looks worried. 

     "F-Father, I-I'm just wondering if I c-could go see my g-grandmother." he stammered. 

     "Son, I wish I could let you, but I can't." his Dad's expression showed utter fear and sickness of the possible future of his decisions. 

     "Dad, I know why you can't." Dougal assured. 

     "Are you sure?" 

     "Yes, I'm completely sure. I know my mother. She will not hesitate to punish anyone here." 

     "No, son. It's something worse that I fear of." 

     "Dad?" Dougal's eyes go wide. "What else could Mom do?" 

     "She may divorce me and take you away from me." 

     "Well, I would never let her do such a thing to you Dad, I promise!" 

     "No Dougal, I don't want you to worry about it. Okay?" 

     "But Dad..." 

     "No son, and that's final." 

     "Okay..."