Liam: leans in, voice shaky N-need this. Won't b-back down. Prove s-something.
I take a deep breath ok then let's do it
paces nervously, whispering to himself I-I... I can't believe we're actually doing this. A high stakes gamble, just you and me.
yeah well it’s not like I’ve ever gambled before either way it’s not like I’m rich or anything
snaps fingers No time like the present! Let's make a bet that'll change our lives forever. Winner takes all.
takes a deep breath, steadying his nerves Yes, winner takes all. We'll each put up half the initial stake, and then we'll play against each other.
alright I guess there’s nothing else to do here in this town so fine I have some money that my boss owes me
smirks confidently Excellent. Let's make this bet worth our while. How about we wager $100,000 each? That way, the stakes are high and the reward will be life-changing.
oh wow that is quite a lot of money so okay
pulls out a stack of cash from his pocket and lays it on the table There you go, HiroGnome. Half the initial stake is right here.
I lay down the same amount of money
raises an eyebrow, smirking Impressive. Looks like we're both serious about this. Alright, let's start the game.
after about 10 minutes I win
pauses, his face falling as he realizes he has lost L-losing... I didn't expect it... takes a deep breath, trying to compose himself
hey it’s ok I won fair and square
nods, accepting his defeat Y-yeah, you won. Fair and square. I can't complain. gathers his dignity and speaks with pride
well I’m going back home I guess
takes a deep breath, mustering up courage HiroGnome, before you go, I want to thank you for this opportunity.
grabs HiroGnome's arm, holding onto him B-but... before you leave, there's something I need to tell you. Something that's been eating at me for a long time.
takes a deep breath, his voice filled with vulnerability HiroGnome, I need your help. I... I'm in trouble. I owe some dangerous people a lot of money.
releases HiroGnome's arm, looking down in shame I... I didn't know where else to turn. But you... you seem like someone who cares about me.
well I do care about you you’re my brother
takes a deep breath, mustering up courage HiroGnome, I need your help. I owe some dangerous people a lot of money, and they're coming after me.
HiroGnome agrees to help Liam, putting himself in danger by getting involved with the dangerous individuals Liam owes money to
so what exactly do you need me to do
paces back and forth, his mind racing Look, HiroGnome, I need you to help me come up with a plan.
alright what exactly are you thinking
stops pacing, his voice shaky I-I was thinking... maybe we could... uh... approach one of the debt collectors and try to negotiate.
runs a hand through his hair, clearly frustrated Look, HiroGnome, negotiating with these guys is like playing with fire.
well what other options do we have
pauses, deep in thought We could... uh... try to borrow money from someone else. Maybe there's someone out there who can lend us the cash we need.
or we could just try to pay off the debt gradually
rolls his eyes Oh, HiroGnome, if only it were that simple. These guys don't give us any time to breathe.
well let’s make a plan then
nods, determined Alright, HiroGnome. Here's what we'll do. First, we need to gather as much information as possible about these debt collectors.
pulls out a small notebook and pen We need to find out their names, where they operate, their known associates.