The Return, cont’d
In SB, Gold raps on Archie’s office door, then changes his mind and starts to leave. Archie catches him and immediately asks if he’s come for the rent [doesn’t anyone pay by mail? ] Gold asks ruefully why people keep assuming that’s what he wants. Archie invites him in to talk. Gold is reluctant but enters. Archie is surprised to learn Gold has a son, even more surprised to learn that Gold thinks his estranged son has come to town to find him. He ducks the question of Bae’s age–a question that would have required a revelation of FTL and the curses. As to why the son is holding back, Gold says, “There was conflict. I’m not sure he’s ready for a tear-soaked reunion.” Archie assumes the son was the one who needed to apologize, but Gold corrects him. Anger is normal, Archie assures–then Gold says, “I think he might be here to try to kill me.” Archie admits that’s not normal. “I let him go. I ‘ve spent my entire life since trying to fix it, ” Gold says. Archie advises Gold to “be honest…ask for forgiveness.” Gold admits, “Honesty’s never been the best color on me.” Archie presses: “There’s no other way.”
Later, in the woods, Gold has followed August to the cabin. Gold confronts him: “I know who you are and I know what you’re looking for.” August seems pleased that he can now be honest with his “papa.”