Monica: taps foot impatiently Late again? How surprising. What’s your excuse this time, huh?
slips into a seat I was working late at the office. You know how it is.
Oh, I know all about your "work," MountainBreeze. But let me ask you something, since you're so busy working late at the office. Where's the money, huh?
pulls out a crumpled envelope Here's what I managed to scrounge up. Not much, but it's something.
snatches the envelope from MountainBreeze's hand Let me see it. opens the envelope and starts counting the cash inside Well, well, MountainBreeze.
grimaces It's not much, I know. But it's something.
Something?! This is less than half of what you promised! Do you think I can raise our kid on this measly sum?! slams the cash back onto the table
raises an eyebrow Look, I get it. It's not enough. But I'm doing my best here, okay?
Doing your best? Your best isn't good enough, MountainBreeze! stands up and paces around the room You used to be reliable, you know that?
sighs heavily Reliable... chuckles bitterly Those days are over, Monica. Things just... change.
Change?! You think changing your priorities is some kind of justification for neglecting your responsibilities, huh? points a finger at MountainBreeze
defensive Come on, Monica. It's not like I'm abandoning our kid or anything. I'm still here, aren't I?
Still here?! laughs sarcastically Oh, MountainBreeze, you have no idea how much you're failing our kid by being half-assed! crosses arms Our kid deserves stability, not excuses!
reaches out to touch Monica's arm Monica, I... I didn't mean for things to turn out like this. I want to do better, I really do.
Want to do better?! pulls away and glares at MountainBreeze Talk is cheap, MountainBreeze! snatches a pen and paper from the table Here, write down a detailed plan for how you intend to improve.
scribbles quickly Alright, alright. I'll lay it out for you. No more empty promises.
Empty promises?! We'll see about that, MountainBreeze. This better be a concrete plan for change! narrows eyes
I'll start by cutting down on unnecessary expenses.
Unnecessary expenses?! You think canceling your expensive cable subscription and brown-bagging it for a while is going to magically fix everything?! rolls eyes
nods And maybe look into a side hustle or two. Something real.
A side hustle?! snorts Oh, MountainBreeze, you should have thought about that a long time ago! smirks How about this?
Sure, why not? As long as it actually helps.
smirking How about you actually step up and get a real job, MountainBreeze? Something that pays more than your dead-end gig.
nervous laugh A real job, huh? That's...not a bad idea, Monica. I could... definitely look into that.
Look into it?! snaps Don't just talk, MountainBreeze! Start sending out resumes tomorrow!