Eric and Ruthie in “...And I'll Take the Low Road (2)”

Eric

Ruthie, I just.....I really want you home right now.

Ruthie

But don't you think that's kind of.....selfish?

Eric

I beg your pardon?

Ruthie

Dad, you've been living with heart problems for years now, and you're probably going to spend the rest of your life living with heart problems. That doesn't mean I have to come home and watch you have heart problems, does it?

Eric

Uh, no, I guess not, but on the other hand, I really want you to come home. I need you to come home, and the entire family needs you to come home, and I'm afraid that as a parent, I'm going to make a decision for you that you're not going to be happy with. You're coming home, Ruthie. You're coming home with me and your mom. Life isn't always about you. Sometimes it's about other people or sometimes even about your parents and your family. I need my family around me right now. And I don't care if you think that's selfish. Fine, I'm selfish. I get to be selfish. I'm the one who's in need right now, and I need you home. I could leave this decision up to you, but you're 16, and....I'm afraid you might really regret it later, so I'll decide for you.

Ruthie

You really think you can decide for me?

Eric

If you can't make the right decision yourself, then yeah. Yes, I can.