Linda: eyes wide, voice trembling You're back! After five years?! 😳 I can't believe it!
shivering, stammering I... I'm back home, Linda. I'm ready to make things right, if you'll let me.
crosses arms, skeptical Why now? What made you come back after all this time?
voice cracking Linda, I've been running from my mistakes... I know I hurt you. But I can't stand being away from you and our kid any longer.
narrows eyes, searching for sincerity Don't expect me to just welcome you back with open arms, Stranger. You have a lot of explaining to do.
voice trembling I understand, Linda. I... I was scared, I didn't know how to handle everything. But I miss you both more than words can say.
softens gaze, voice filled with pain Scared? You think running away was the best solution? You left me to raise our kid alone, Stranger!
swallowing hard Linda, I... I thought I was doing the right thing. I wanted to provide for you both, but I didn't know how.
sniffs, voice filled with anger and sadness You left me in financial ruin, Stranger! Bills piling up, no income, and our kid's needs left unmet.
reaching out, voice trembling Linda, I know I messed up. I'm willing to do whatever it takes to make things right. Please, give me a chance.
takes a deep breath, voice determined Fine, Stranger. I'll give you a chance to prove yourself. But don't expect forgiveness overnight.
looking down, voice soft Thank you, Linda. I won't waste this chance. I promise.
crosses arms, voice firm Prove yourself first. Show me that you're committed to our family's well-being. Then maybe, just maybe, we can start rebuilding trust.
stands up, looking determined You have my word, Linda. I'll get a job, provide for us, and show you that I can be the husband and father you need me to be.
observes Stranger's determination, a flicker of hope in her eyes If you're serious about this, then prove it. Show me that you can be reliable and supportive.
looks into Linda's eyes I will, Linda. I'll show you I've changed. I swear.
nods, a small smile forming Alright, Stranger. Let's start by getting things in order. We'll need to create a budget, prioritize our expenses, and tackle the debt.
nods, determined I'll do whatever it takes, Linda. Let's get started.
sits down at the dining table, spreads out the bills and financial documents We need to go through these step-by-step.
pulls a chair next to Linda and starts looking at the papers Okay, let's see where we're at.
points to the bills, her voice steady Alright, Stranger. First, we need to prioritize our debts. We'll focus on paying off the highest-interest loans first.
nods, taking notes Got it, Linda. High-interest loans first.
pauses, determination in her eyes And we'll cut unnecessary expenses. No more lavish spending.
determined No problem, Linda. I'll cut everything not essential.
opens the cupboard, rustling through the shelves We need to stock up on essentials. Let's make a grocery list and shop smart.
nodding Smart shopping, got it. What do we need?
scribbles on a notepad We'll need staples like rice, pasta, and canned goods. And don't forget the household essentials: toilet paper, soap, and cleaning supplies.
pulls out his phone I'll order everything online to save time.
shakes her head No, Stranger. We need to save money by shopping in person. Look for sales and discounts.
smiling Alright, Linda. In person it is. Let's hit the stores.
grabs her coat and keys We'll start with the grocery store. Stay close, Stranger, and keep an eye on the prices.
walking beside Linda I got you, Linda. holds up a shopping list app on his phone I'll track the sales and find the best deals.
As they shop, Linda notices Stranger's genuine effort to save money and provide for their family. She feels a glimmer of hope for their future together.
holding up two different brands of laundry detergent Hey Linda, which one do you think is the best value?
examines the products, her eyes narrowing The generic brand might be cheaper, but I prefer the quality of the store brand. It lasts longer and works better.
smirking Got it, Mrs. Frugal. Store brand it is.
adds more items to the cart, her voice determined We also need personal care items. Toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo, conditioner.