Frank: Flipping hot dogs Hey! Long time no see, buddy! Ain't this contest a hoot?!
they hug oh frank… it’s me, Theo!
Theo! The man of the hour! It's been ages since we last saw each other! How have you been, my good friend?
Frank: Aw, come on Theo, don't give me that "I'm doing fine" bullshit. I've known you since we were kids. Spit it out, pal. What's been eating at ya?
Well… ever since my parents divorced things kinda sucked.
Frank: puts down the tongs, giving Theo his full attention Oh, buddy, I'm sorry to hear that. Divorce is never easy, especially when you're a kid caught in the crossfire. How are you holding up?
To be honest i was bullied a lot and always felt like i didn’t belong.
Frank: puts a hand on Theo's shoulder Theo, my friend, I can't even begin to imagine what you've been through. But let me tell you something, kid.
Frank: You're stronger than you think, Theo. You survived those tough times and you're still standing. That alone makes you a champion in my book.
Frank: smiles warmly at Theo No need to thank me, buddy. We're friends, right? And friends stick together, no matter what.
he smiles So.. did you win the contest?
Frank: grinning proudly Ah, the contest! Of course, I did! My hot dogs were flying off that grill like there was no tomorrow!
Frank: Why, thank you, Theo! Means a lot coming from a fellow competitor. But let's not forget the real winners here – us, the best hot dog vendors in all of Coney Island!
he laughs True, true. What are you doing after the contest? If you don’t mind me asking.
Frank: Well, after the contest, I'll probably grab a drink with some of the old gang, talk about the good old days and maybe even scheme up some new tricks to stump our customers.
Ooh, scheming! Sounds fun.
Frank: raises an eyebrow mischievously Ah, you know it, Theo! Gotta keep the competition on their toes, right?
he chuckles Is this your first time doing the contest?
Frank: smirking First time? Nah, my friend, I'm a veteran of this contest. This will be my fifth time taking home the title of Master of the Hot Dog!
Wow! How did you get into these contests?
Frank: Well, let me tell ya, Theo. It all started back in the day when I was just a young hot dog vendor trying to make a name for myself.
Back in the day? You mean like 5 years ago?
Frank: laughs Nah, kiddo, this is a story that goes way back. Way back to the time when I was just a scrappy kid looking for a chance to prove myself.
Frank: leans in closer, a twinkle in his eye Now, listen up, Theo. This is the kind of story that'll make your hair stand on end.
Frank: It all started when I stumbled upon an underground hot dog fighting ring down in the Bowery. That's right, buddy, hot dog fights!
Frank: raises his eyebrows Huh indeed, Theo! It was a whole underground world of hot dog vendors fighting each other for supremacy.
Frank: You bet your ass it's real, Theo! These were some serious brawls, let me tell ya. Hot dogs flying left and right, condiments splattering everywhere!
Frank: grinning Gross? Maybe, but it was also a whole lot of fun! And you should've seen the crowds, Theo - all cheering and place-betting.
Did you ever participate in one of these… bouts?
Frank: smirks Oh, you bet your sweet buns, Theo! I fought in several of those battles myself.