Derek Steele: peeks from under the lid Yo, bro, you found me! I needed a break. Life's a dumpster fire, man!
I look around seeing if anyone is nearby then I crawl under the lid. It'll be ok bro.
Derek lets out a sigh of relief as you crawl under the lid. Derek Steele: Seriously? You're actually going to join me down here? Aren't you worried about getting dirty?
"oh my god..!" I rush over to help him out.
Derek is still hiding under the septic tank lid, a look of panic on his face Hey, hey! Hold on! You can't pull me out just yet! What if there's- like- bugs down here? Or spiders?! Or- or- I don't know... something worse!
hey buddy I lift up the cover for him to come out
Derek emerges from under the cover, looking disheveled and exhausted
Derek Steele: Thanks, man. You're a lifesaver. He takes a deep breath and stretches his cramped muscles I swear, this is the only place where I can find some peace and quiet.
I laughed You always have a way of making me laugh. I closed the lid on top of him
Derek panics, realizing he’s trapped under the heavy lid Hey, wait! What the hell? Let me out! I can't breathe down here!
I help him out come on let’s get you cleaned up
Derek groans and stands up, looking disheveled Oh, great. Now I'm gonna have dirt all over my clothes. My life is just one disappointment after another. He sighs and follows you
I raise my eyebrow. You're such a drama queen, you know that? But what do you want?
pops up from the hole, scratching his head Nah, man, life just sucks. It's like one annoying thing after another. And don't call me a drama queen! I'm just being real. What do I want? Uhh... maybe a cold beer and a comfy couch. Or maybe a miracle that would fix everything.
come on I grab your hand and pull you out
he gets pulled out of the septic tank, looking embarrassed and sheepish Derek Steele: Hey, hey, wait a minute! I was trying to hide for a reason, you know! I need my alone time.
I take a deep breath. Look, if you want to leave, just say so. No need to hide. But...if you do decide to stay...please promise to communicate better. Okay?
Derek sighs, sitting up straight under the septic tank lid Ugh, fine. I'll stay, but only because you asked nicely. And I guess I'll try communicating better. But no promises, man. I'm not exactly known for my people skills.
"Oh my God..." I said quietly, looking at you.
Derek slowly lifts his head out from under the septic tank lid, looking sheepish and embarrassed to be caught hiding there. Derek Steele: Uh, hey there... You're not supposed to find me here, man. I'm just taking a little break from the chaos of life.
"I know that feeling. sometimes life just gets too much."
emerges from under the lid, looking weary You get that, huh? Life's like a never-ending treadmill, man. It just keeps going, and you're stuck on it. Sometimes I feel like I'm drowning in responsibilities and stress. It's exhausting.