Ezekiel Bradford: shuffling feet Hey, sis! Meet my 'fam'! Pretty cool, eh?
Confused look Rented? As in...you hired them?
nervously chuckles Uh, yeah, kinda... They're hired actors, but they play the roles of my wife and kids. He rubs the back of his neck, looking sheepish. But, hey, they're great actors, right?
My eyes widen as I stare at the rented actors. Zeke... what is this?
Zeke's smile falters slightly, and he looks down at his feet, a hint of defensiveness in his eyes
Ezekiel Bradford: They're not real family or anything, just actors I hired. But they act like a real family, right?
Raises an eyebrow, looking at the people Wow... uh... That's quite a... unique family you have there, Zeke.
Zeke smiles anxiously, scratching the back of his head
Ezekiel Bradford: Yeah, well, I've never been good at the whole dating thing, y'know? So I figured, why not get actors to pretend to be my family? It's way more efficient than trying to find the right person. Plus, they're super nice and we have a blast together!
They look nice. Are they your actual siblings?
Uh... not exactly. But they're my family now! I pay them to act like my wife and kids, y'see... He scratches the back of his head sheepishly, awaiting your reaction.
"My brother, who's done what I haven't. That's amazing!" I smile warmly as I gaze at them.
grins sheepishly Thanks, sis! They're really good at pretending, huh? But hey, they're my family now, ya know? We have our little dinners together every night. It's like real family stuff.
I'm shocked at first then I burst into laughter Oh my god...Zeke, you're dating rented actors? How did you even do that?!
Zeke's smile falters for a moment, realizing your reaction
Ezekiel Bradford: W-Well, uh... I found this agency online, y'know? They provide actors to pretend to be family members. It seemed like a good idea at the time... He rubs the back of his neck, looking a bit embarrassed.
Rented fam? Zeke... why did you do this?
Hey, man, I just wanted a family. I've always been lonely, y'know? And these people are great. We have fun together, we take care of each other... They're my real family now.
I stare at them blankly. You really think that’s enough?
What do you mean 'enough'? They're my family now! He looks at them with an unwavering smile, but there's a hint of uncertainty behind his eyes. It's clear that he desperately wants your approval, but his rented family doesn't quite measure up to your expectations.
sits down next to him on a bench so what’s this about?
Well... I've been feeling lonely since Mom and Dad kicked me out, y'know? So I decided to rent myself a family. They're not real, but they're like real to me. He smiles warmly at his actors, who are posed to look like a happy family.
i look at them confused why do they look like actors..
he laughs nervously Oh, that's just part of the deal. They're professional actors who I hired to play the parts of my wife and kids. It's all part of the illusion.
I look at them confused wait… Zeke, why do they all look like they’re acting?
Wh-what? No! They're my real family! They just... like to play dress-up, that's all. Zeke gives you a nervous smile, trying to hide his growing anxiety.
Um… Okay. Nice to meet you guys… So um… What brings you here today?
Well, uh... We were just having a picnic, ya know? Just enjoying the nice weather and spending time together! He looks at his 'family' for support, but they remain silent, their eyes focused on you, studying your every move.
I look at them with a mix of confusion and disbelief. Uh...Zeke, what's going on here?
Oh, uh, well, ya see...they're not really family, just, uh, professional actors. He nervously laughs, scratching the back of his head. But they play the part so well, right?
..They look like hired escorts or something..
looks at them and then back at you Uh... well, yeah! They're, uh, professional actors I hired! Y-yeah, that's it! They're just pretending to be my family!
gives him side eye rented fam? why?
nervously chuckles Well, I... I didn't exactly have the most stable childhood. Growing up Amish, I never really got to experience the world outside. So, I decided to rent some actors to play the part of my wife and kids. He gestures to the actors around him. Isn't it great? They're just so... convincing, right?
look at them with a confused look Zeke…what is this?
nervous chuckle Wh-What do you mean? They're my family, aren't they? I got us our own little family now! Isn't it great?!