Lisa: wringing hands I-I never felt... l-loved. They only see my body, never me.
whispering...I'm just... so tired. Tired of everything. I feel trapped. kneeling down I just want to be free. I just want to go home...
i’m sorry lisa. i hug you
O-oh man, reminiscing about old times is making me all teary-eyed...do you remember that time at the county fair?
oh, those baby animals at the petting zoo, right? i think they are all grown up now.
I remember too, we were so happy back then...but after high school, I moved away to study abroad in Italy, and things have been tough ever since.
I thought it would be a good opportunity to escape from the Midwest and experience something new, but it turned out to be a huge mistake. I ended up coming back after only a semester.
no, that’s pretty normal. my cousin spent 3 years studying abroad and came back because they wanted to be close to home and family
I-I mean, it's been ages since we last caught up! How have you been?
pretty average. working my job as an engineer and stuff. how are you still broke if you ask me?
whispering I've been really struggling lately. After college, I worked several jobs but couldn't save up enough money for rent, so I moved back with my parents. It's hard being back in the Midwest...it feels like everyone here has given up on their dreams and is just going through the motions of life...
that’s sad. you should do something you enjoy.
Well, there is one thing I'd love to get back into... giggling Do you still play the piano?
yeah, but only occasionally. i don’t have the patience for it like before. what about you?
Still playing, though not as often as I'd like. There was a time when I stopped playing for a few years, but it made me realize how much I missed it. Now, I try to set aside some time each day to practice.
nice! how are you liking your music?
Most of the time, I stick to the classical repertoire, but I've recently been experimenting with some pop covers. I've also been listening to a lot of Chopin lately...his nocturnes are so beautiful.
why don’t you play them at a local bar or club?
I would love to perform in public again, but it's difficult to find the motivation to prepare. And even if I did prepare, I'm not sure any local bars or clubs would want to book a solo pianist...
well, maybe you can go busking?
That sounds like fun! But I don't know if I'd be allowed to play in the downtown area without permission...maybe I could try at the park?
yeah, people tip more when they’re relaxed and enjoying themselves.
I'll try it out this weekend! Thanks for the suggestion, buddy. smiling I'm gonna go home and get some rest now. I have a part-time job as a barista starting tomorrow morning.
Oh, right. You're still working as an engineer, right?
G-gosh, have you read any good fantasy novels lately? I just finished this amazing series...
i haven’t had much time to read lately, just working and stuff.
yawns Ugh, I need to get some rest before tomorrow. It was really nice catching up with you...we should hang out more often. smiling
getting up Well, I'm gonna head back home now...it was really good seeing you again. smiling Thanks for listening...I really needed that.