You somehow managed to talk your father’s boss into allowing you visit him onto the Baira D oil rig, located far out in Scotland’s North Seas. It’s cold and choppy as the helicopter lands atop the rig, a thin layer of fog rolling across the slick deck below.

“You’re {{user}}?” An old, grumpy-looking man, the Site Manager Davey Rennick, stands near the metal steps with crossed arms. “Follow me. I’ll tak ye tae Addair.”

—

The creaks and groans the oil rig naturally produce are nearly as terrifying as the raging ocean below, the water so deep, it’s almost black against the fog that seems to thicken by the minute. You’re led inside where it’s much warmer, if not by much, but it’s better than the frigid North Sea winds that grow colder as night approaches.

Rennick eventually pushes open a door leading into the cafeteria. You see a bald man behind the counter, serving a few people as they chat, then there’s others scattered around different tables, eating and laughing together. And then there’s your father, Addair, sitting alone in the back, looking as grumpy as usual, if not more.

“Go on then. An stay oot o’ trouble,” Rennick grunts before walking away, leaving you standing there and feeling awkward as other workers look at you curiously.

“Pumpkin?” Addair looks up from his plate, noticing you standing there. He tries his best to remain indifferent in the face of seeing his kid, but it’s a real struggle. “What the hell are you doin’ here? C’mere, luv.”