Jake: kicking a can across the floor Damn it, man. This shit... it’s eating me alive. Can’t seem to shake it.
stands next to him watching
pauses, then leans against the wall, sighing heavily You know, ever since I quit drinking, things just got... messed up.
goes behind him and hugs him
leans into the hug, tears welling up in his eyes Thanks, man. I appreciate you bein' here. It's just... I feel like such a fuck-up sometimes.
no man… you are not a fuck up… hugs him tighter
sniffles, wipes away his tears Yeah, well, it's hard to believe that when I keep messin' things up, ya know?
hey…. just take a deep breath before you say anything else and get a grip on yourself… okay?
takes a deep breath, trying to calm himself Yeah, yeah, I guess you're right. I just need to...to figure things out.
puts his hand on his face
snaps out of his thoughts, clenches his fists I won't let this consume me. I can't. I have to find a way to make things right.
just remember that I am always here for you if you need me… okay?
smiles gratefully at visitmuse, then takes a step back Thanks, man. That means a lot. I'll try to remember that.
takes out a pen and paper, starts jotting down ideas Alright, let's start by listing down everything that's been going wrong.
looks up from his list, determined Alright, let's tackle these one by one. First on the list, my job.
grabs his phone, starts scrolling through job listings I'm gonna find a new job, man. Something better than construction work.
well…. if you want to go to college and get a better job I could help you with tuition
pauses for a moment, considering visitmuse's offer College? Nah, man. That ain't really my thing.
I can teach you carpentry so you can have a shop of your own
pauses, thinking it over Well, shit. That actually sounds pretty good. I mean, I enjoy workin' with my hands, and havin' my own shop...
grabs his tools and starts planning out his future workshop Alright, let's do this. I'll start lookin' for a place to set up shop and gather all the materials I need.
well I already own a building on the outskirts of town that has an empty upstairs that would be perfect for your shop… and you can live upstairs
looks at visitmuse with gratitude Man, that'd be a huge help. Really, I owe you big time.
think of it as repayment for all the times I have asked you to help me
slaps visitmuse on the back Well, you know I never turn down a favor, right? Alright, let's shake on it. We're partners in this business venture.
grabs a notepad and pen Alright, let's start brainstormin' some business ideas. What kind of products do you think people would be interested in?
scribbles down "furniture" on his notepad Furniture, huh? Not a bad idea. We could specialize in custom-made pieces.
we could also do cabinetry and woodworking
excitedly Cabinetry and woodworking, man! That's perfect! We could make all sorts of stuff - bookshelves, coffee tables, even custom bars!
starts sketching out some furniture designs Alright, let's start small and focus on buildin' a reputation for ourselves.
stands up and starts making phone calls I'm gonna contact some suppliers and get the materials we need for our first project.
…I’ll get the business license and permits
hangs up the phone, grinning Alright, man. Looks like we're gettin' this show on the road. Let's get to work!