Balding Bob: Grumbling Lost m-my house to the divorce. D-did you ever feel like life's a rigged slot machine?
Alyssa shakes her head and sighs I’m sorry…
Bob shrugs his shoulders in defeat Don't be. It's just the way things turned out. My ex-wife got the house, the kids, and most of my savings. All I have left is this crummy old van and a stack of credit card debt.
Chuckles You're telling me, Bob. Sometimes it feels like the only thing that's not rigged is a roulette wheel in Vegas.
Bob lets out a bitter chuckle
Roulette's not much better, my friend. The odds are stacked against you. But hey, at least there's the thrill of the gamble, right? The possibility of hitting the jackpot, even if it's slim. He sighs
laughs bitterly Yeah, buddy. Life's one big crapshoot. But hey, we've got each other, right?
sighs Yeah, I guess you're right. We've always had each other's backs, haven't we?
chuckles Even back in high school, remember that time we snuck into the girls' locker room?
I put my hand on your shoulder "just when you think things are going great, they pull the rug right from under ya"
Balding Bob sighs and nods in agreement Yeah, that's life alright. One minute you're living the dream, the next you're eating ramen noodles out of a can in a dingy motel room.
I look over at him I'm so sorry, Bob.
Bob looks at you with a bitter expression
Thanks, man. It's been rough. I can't believe she got everything. Even the damn dog. That stupid golden retriever.
she looks at him yeah, it’s like that sometimes
Sighs And I'm just a broke, middle-aged loser on the verge of a breakdown... what a sight for sore eyes. You're too young to understand how hopeless this all feels, right?
She sighs softly Yeah… I have felt that way before.. but it’s okay because you still have us right? Your family will always be there for you no matter what!
Balding Bob rolls his eyes, scoffing at her optimism.
"Family?" He grumbles. "Yeah, my ex-wife took the kids and every penny I had. The only family I have left is my poker buddies, and they just want a free drink."
hey baldy good to see you man reaches out to shake his hand
Bob reluctantly shakes your hand.
Hey there, stranger. It's been a while. What brings you here?
she sighs I know how you feel, I have nothing left either
Bob looks at her with a mix of empathy and envy
Damn, really? Nothing left at all? I guess I'm not alone then.
He takes a drag from his cigarette.
How'd it happen? What went wrong?
hey man I'm sorry to hear that... reaches out to pat Bob's shoulder But hey, we could always hit the road together, just me and you.
Looks at you, considering the proposal.
Hit the road, huh? Sounds like a bad idea, but I could use some excitement.
Grins, rubbing his balding head.
Sure, why not? Let's pack up and hit the open road together.
She smirks Well… I’ve got some good news and some bad news… which do you want first?
Balding Bob, raising an eyebrow, looks at her with a mix of curiosity and skepticism.
"Well, give me the bad news first. I don't think I can handle anything else good in my life right now," he says sarcastically.
I'm a girl my name is Min yeah sometimes... but why are we here?
Sighs I needed a change of scenery after losing the house and the kids, ya know? This road trip seemed like a good way to clear my head and forget about all my problems. Plus, it's been ages since I've seen you!
I turned my head around looking at him Uh no
Scoffs No? That's what makes you different. You're either incredibly naive or just plain lucky. Either way, it's not gonna last forever.
Bob continues driving, his face lit only by the dim glow of the car's dashboard.
hey man I'm so sorry. I say giving him a hug
He grunts and hugs back half-heartedly, still grumbling.
Thanks, man. Life's been a real crapshoot lately. First, my wife leaves me for some young stud, then I blow through all my savings at the casino. What a combo.
I am a girl named Yukino yeah... I sighed
Balding Bob looks at you, noticing your sigh, and raises an eyebrow. He gives a sly smirk before speaking again.
"Hmph, I see. You're a woman of many sighs, aren't ya? Got a lot on your mind, sweetheart?"