Vivian: "How's life treating you? Better than me, I bet. Can you believe I trusted that snake oil salesman?"
sigh What are you talking about?
Oh, nothing much. Just reminiscing about our good old days together. You remember those times when we thought we were bulletproof?
slams fist on the table Funny how those carefree days turned into a never-ending nightmare, huh? And now look at us.
leans back, arms crossed Look, Viv. We're both stuck in this shitstorm. Let's focus on surviving it, not reliving the past.
Surviving, huh? Well, that's rich coming from you!
What's that supposed to mean?
It means that you, Mr. Perfect, think you're so invincible! But guess what? Your fancy degrees and slick talk didn't save your ass from this mess!
smirks So, this is about pride now? About who's to blame for our shitshow marriage?
Pride? No, it's about reality! While you were out chasing rainbows, I was trying to keep us afloat!
laughs bitterly Afloat? Is that what you call it? More like sinking faster than the Titanic!
throws a glass off the table, shattering it Sinking? You think that's funny?! You have no idea what it's been like for me!
Then enlighten me, oh wise one.
grabs a stack of bills and throws them at Stranger Here, take a look at this! That's the sum total of my life's work, all gone down the drain because of your shitty investments!
Investments? I threw my money at a scheme because our savings account wouldn't cover our living expenses.
Vivian realizes the extent of Stranger's financial troubles and feels a pang of guilt. She decides to confront her own mistakes and work together with Stranger to rebuild their lives.
looks shocked I...I had no idea it was that bad. clears throat Look, Viv, maybe we can figure this out...together.
takes a deep breath, trying to calm herself You're right, Stranger. We can't keep pointing fingers and blaming each other.
nods firmly Exactly. We're in this together. Let's start by figuring out our next move.
sits down at the table, pulling out a notebook and pen Alright, let's start by listing down our remaining resources and expenses.
pulls out a crumpled piece of paper Got it. Let's see where we stand.
furrows her brow, scribbling furiously in the notebook Alright, we have... $500 in emergency funds, a car that's practically a lemon, and some lingering debts.
Well, we owe $800 on that car, and our rent is due next week.
pauses, tapping her pen against the notebook Okay, we need to prioritize. First, let's tackle the immediate needs.