You Don't Get It

"Lighty, honey, I know he's your dad, but-"

"But nothin'! I know everypony else thinks he's just a mean old has-been, but he's not! You don't know him, you don't know what he's been through, you don't know what it's like to have everything taken away from you, all in one swoop!"

"I do. You know I do."

"......Thunder, I didn't mean-"

"What about what you've lost? You packed up your whole life for your dad, but baby......the guy barely notices you exist."

"That's not true! He's just-"

"A bitter old drunk who hates himself and everyone around him, and he's only getting worse. You want his love so bad you'd enable him to hell and back, but where does that leave you? Us?"

"Are you asking me to choose between you and my father?"

"I'm asking you to choose yourself over your father. Please, Lighty. I know you're hurting."

"......I can't just abandon him. I'm......I'm all he has left."

"He chose to ruin his own life. You though, you have a career, and a kid, and a whole lot of life left to live. He'll survive without you here to fetch his booze and listen to his ranting. Right now, I need you. The Washouts need you. Sparky needs you."

"..........Dad's never going to forgive me for this."

"...."

"........Will you come with me? To tell him?"

"Of course."

"And......y-you'll stay with me, right?"

"I'm not goin' anywhere, Light."

"............................Would you hold my hand?"

"I've got you. Don't cry. Everything is gonna be okay. I promise."

~~~~~~

thunderlane and lightning were faced with a decision as wind rider's alcoholism and disposition worsened. For the good of her family, and herself, Lightning had to cut her father out of her life.

It didn't stick. Without his biggest enabler around, Wind Rider does eventually (over years) start piecing his life back together. He reenters Lightning's life when Zipperflash is a teenager, more determined than ever to mold his grandchild into the ultimate champion.