Cobra Kai: New life

Chapter 3

Two months had passed since Robby and David arrived at the correctional facility. Things had calmed down a bit, though both knew that time in the facility wasn't something that could just be "overcome." Still, the two boys had found some comfort in their work at the community kitchen, a small refuge from the chaos of everyday life.

It was a gray, rainy day, and the routine in the kitchen was in full swing. David and Robby were serving bowls of soup and bread to the homeless who arrived—some with tattered clothes and others with tired eyes. The kitchen was full of noise, with murmurs and thanks for each meal served. Most of the volunteers were older folks, some helping generously, but always under David's watchful eye as he made sure everything ran smoothly.

Robby, on the other hand, didn't feel much like socializing. Though he had worked through some of his biggest emotional obstacles, like his issues with his mother, he still felt somewhat distant. The task ahead of him was simple: fill the plates and hand them out, without getting too involved. However, he couldn't shake the feeling of discomfort. The stares of the people reminded him of his old demons: his lack of control, his anger. For a moment, he wished time would stop and they could continue doing the work without anything interrupting.

Suddenly, the door to the kitchen creaked open. A blonde man, with his face visibly bruised and full of marks, stepped through the door. His gaze was weary and a bit lost, as though he was looking for something or someone in particular. Robby saw him instantly, and though his face remained indifferent, something inside him tensed.

David, who was on the other side of the kitchen organizing the plates, also noticed the man. The way Robby froze, his posture stiff, didn't go unnoticed. With a quick glance, David understood what was going on.

"Go talk to him. I'll cover for you. Just don't take too long," David said quietly, nodding toward the man.

Robby looked at him, confused at first, but then nodded without arguing. Though he would have preferred to avoid it, he didn't want David to get involved in something so personal. Reluctantly, he headed toward the man.

When Robby reached him, the man looked up, and though his face was marked by fatigue and bruises, Robby recognized him instantly.

"Robby?" the man said, his voice raspy and worn.

It was Johnny Lawrence. His father.

"What the hell are you doing here?" Robby replied, his voice thick with restrained anger. He didn't know if he was more surprised by his father's appearance or by how he looked. The man who had abandoned his family years ago, now standing before him, bruised and asking for forgiveness—something Robby wasn't sure he was willing to give.

Johnny seemed a little uncomfortable with the response, but didn't step back. He kept his gaze firm, though his words came out haltingly.

"Listen, Robby… I need to talk to you." He paused, as if the words were hard to get out. "I know I messed up. I know. But I'm here because I want to tell you that… I regret it. And I want to try… fix things."

Robby stood silently for a moment, trying to process what he had just heard. His anger flared up even more seeing his father standing there, as if his suffering was enough to justify asking for forgiveness. Robby didn't know what to expect from him, but he wasn't sure it would be enough to make him want to listen.

"Fix things? Now you want to fix it, after all this time?" His voice became rough. "What makes you think I want to talk to you now?"

Johnny seemed to struggle for the right words. He wasn't a man who expressed himself easily, especially when it came to his past mistakes.

"I know I failed you, and I know I have to pay for that," Johnny said, his voice quieter now, almost embarrassed. "But I want you to know I never stopped thinking about you. I'm not a good father, but I want to try to be something… even if it's just a little. I want you to hear me out."

Robby stared at him in silence, trying to figure out what to make of this. All the years of abandonment, the neglect—it all came rushing back to him like a wave of pain and frustration. He was tired of hearing empty promises, of hoping for something that would never come.

"Don't kid yourself," Robby spoke with a cold calmness, as if he were analyzing every word his father said. "You're not a good father. You've never been one. How do you expect me to talk to you now? After everything you did. After how you left me… alone."

Johnny, with his wrinkled face and tired eyes, stayed silent, seemingly with no answer. He looked like a man defeated, but Robby wasn't sure if that was enough to begin forgiving him. Still, something inside him, a small spark of doubt, told him that maybe it was worth listening to what he had to say.

"I don't know if I want to listen to you, Johnny. I don't know if I want you in my life." Robby turned to walk away but couldn't help adding, "Maybe, someday, if you stick around, I might consider hearing you out. But don't expect anything."

Johnny nodded slowly, not speaking a word. It was as if he already knew there wasn't much he could do but wait for Robby to change his mind.

Robby returned to the serving station, his heart still pounding and his mind filled with conflicting thoughts. David watched him silently as he sat back down. The atmosphere in the kitchen continued as always, but for Robby, the weight of the conversation kept him in a state of confusion.

"What happened?" David asked, straightforward but with a softer tone than usual.

Robby let out a long sigh, trying to calm his thoughts before speaking.

"It's… Johnny. My dad. He showed up here, with his face all bruised and… wanting to talk to me. He said he regrets leaving, not being there for me."

David looked at him intently, understanding the gravity of the situation but without judgment. He knew what this meant for Robby.

"And what are you going to do?" David asked, his voice calm, though with genuine curiosity.

Robby paused, looking at the bowl of soup in front of him. He didn't know how to answer. He didn't know if he wanted to give his father another chance. He had tried so many times before and it had failed. However, something inside him told him that maybe, just maybe, he should hear what he had to say.

"I don't know, David. I don't know if I should give him a chance or keep ignoring him like I always have. But something inside me says maybe I should listen to what he has to say. I don't know if that will make him better, but… at least I should try."

David nodded slowly, not pushing him.

"Sometimes people don't realize what they have until they've lost everything," David paused, his tone serious. "I'm not saying you should forgive him or accept him right away. But if you have the chance to hear what he has to say, maybe that will help you understand. Do what feels right for you."

Robby looked at him, grateful for David's words, though he wasn't entirely sure what they meant for his future.

"I'll try. But I'm not promising anything."