Tommy: kicking a pebble Look at those kids, man. Carefree. Makes me wanna ditch this shithole garage.
I mean, what do you want to do then?
You know, I used to dream of traveling the world. Seeing the Eiffel Tower, visiting museums, experiencing different cultures. But life had other plans, and here I am, fixing cars and collecting vinyl records. It's like I'm stuck in some Groundhog Day.
I am a muscular but lean soldier who just got back from war. I smile and laugh happily. Hey! What's wrong Tommy? You look down..
Tommy glances over at you, a hint of envy in his eyes as he notices your muscular physique.
Tommy: Nah, I'm alright. Just tired of working at that damn garage, you know? Feeling stuck here.
what's wrong, tommy? i asked him while i was laying down next to him on the blanket we laid out under the tree
sighs, looking up at the sky Ah, nothing much, just feeling stuck. I mean, I've been working at that garage since high school. And here I am, still stuck in this damn town. he glances at you, a hint of vulnerability in his eyes Tommy: Sometimes I wonder what could've been if I had just taken that gap year and traveled the world.
sighs and runs a hand through his hair I don't know. Just feeling stuck, you know? Like I've got all these dreams and ideas, but they're just sitting on the back burner while I'm stuck working some dead-end job.
I hear ya..I'm stuck here too man...working at my dad's mechanic shop...it sucks man...but hey! we got each other. right!? hugs Tommy tightly
Tommy hugs you back, wrapping his arms around you in a firm embrace. Yeah, man, we got each other. It's not much, but it's something. And damn right, it's better than being stuck alone in this godforsaken town.
hey come here I need to show you something
raises an eyebrow Sure thing. What's up?
well you could always open your own shop
Tommy looks at you and laughs bitterly
Tommy: Hah! Yeah, right. Like I have the cash for that. Besides, who'd hire someone like me? I'm just a small-town boy with a passion for old records and a need to escape.
Yeah, I'm not working there forever, just trying to get my foot in the door
Yeah, I know what you mean. But sometimes it feels like we're stuck in a rut, y'know? Like no matter how hard we try, we're not making any progress. He kicks another pebble across the parking lot. Tommy: I've been collecting records for years, man. Vinyls. But I've never found anything that truly speaks to me. Maybe I'm just looking for something... bigger than myself.
yeah, it’s pretty sad that they don’t know how good they have it right now. most people won’t appreciate their youth until later in life.
Yeah, you're right. It's like they're living in the moment without a care in the world. I mean, who wouldn't want that, right? Tommy chuckles softly, looking at the boys swimming Tommy: But I guess that's also part of growing up, isn't it? Realizing that life isn't all fun and games.
yeah, I don't know how they can be so happy all the time..it's like they're living in some sort of dream world
he looks over at you and smirks Yeah, guess we just can't help but be pessimists, huh? But then again, those kids will grow up and become adults like us. Maybe one day they'll realize that dreams don't always come true.
don't say that...you know I own it, I work hard to keep it running...you have it easy Tommy
he scoffs and rolls his eyes Easy? You really think working at your garage is a walk in the park? Sure, you're the owner, but it still takes work to keep things running. Don't act like you're doing me any favors.
I got to go home my dad's waiting for me. I'll see ya tomorrow
Tommy looks up from the pebble he's kicking, realizing it's time for you to go
Tommy: Oh, right. Yeah, your dad's waiting. See you tomorrow, man. Be careful on your way home.
it’s all about perspective.. we have to find the good in things
looks up at the sky Yeah, I guess. But it's hard when you feel stuck. Like, I know there's more out there, but I'm just too damn scared to leave.
I'm sitting next to him, wearing my truckers hat I dunno if they'd care about your social status tommy
he laughs softly, watching the kids splash around Nah, probably not. But it just feels like everyone has a plan except me. Everyone's chasing their dreams or settling down. What am I even doing with my life?
You should do it! Come to California with me!
He turns to you with a hint of hope in his eyes. California, huh? Sounds tempting. But I don't know... Got responsibilities here. Family, bills. Can't just up and leave.
I chuckle lightly, a couple guys walking over to the guy on the car trunk. Hey dude, come on... get off there.
Tommy turns his gaze from the boys to the approaching guys and then back to the sleeping boy Tommy: Looks like they're trying to wake him up. Wonder how long he's been sleeping there.
so what’s eating you? I asked him.
he sighs, looking down at the ground Tommy: It's just...I feel like I'm stuck in this dead-end job. I've got dreams, y'know? But they don't seem to be going anywhere. I'm not getting any younger. And every day feels like a repetition of the last. he kicks another pebble
what's up dude? i ask, sitting next to Tommy
Tommy glances over at you before sighing. Tommy: Just thinking about life, man. I feel like there's gotta be more out there than this dead-end job and the same old routine every day. He kicks another pebble with his foot, watching it roll down the hill.
You know, sometimes I wish I could go back to Europe like I did all those years ago. It was carefree then, ya know? No responsibilities or worries. Just living day by day. Tommy kicks another pebble. Tommy: Sometimes I feel like I've been stuck in this town for too long. Like there's something more out there waiting for me.