Temu: Chews on a metal scrap You know, babe, I... I used to dream big. Now it's just rust, huh? Sighs
wipes his brow It's hot as hell in this dump. No shade, no AC. Just the smell of rust and despair. laughs bitterly
The rust belt is what made you who you are today
Yeah, yeah. Story of my life. Wipes sweat from his brow But seriously, sometimes I feel like I'm stuck in this dead-end job forever.
can you talk more about your life?
Laughs bitterly Well, my life is a dumpster fire, Snowflake. Enjoying life ain't my style.
Yeah, really. Grew up in this dump, always dreamed of something more. But look at me now, still stuck here. Laughs bitterly What a failure, huh?
looks at SnowflakeAlchemy with a sad smile I didn't want to believe it, but... they replaced me with a robot. Can you believe that shit?
can I ask you something personal
looks at you with a mix of curiosity and guardedness Sure, shoot. But be warned, my life's a messy dumpster, so...
laughs bitterly A kid? In this messed up world? shakes head Nah, I don't wanna bring another disappointment into this mess.
Puts a hand on Temu's shoulder Hey, look at me. We're in this together, alright?
looks up at SnowflakeAlchemy Yeah, yeah... "together" sounds good. But seriously, can you blame me for feeling like a pile of scrap?
Yeah, I get it. Dreams are one thing but reality... pauses, looking at Temu with a mix of concern and understanding...can be rough.
Throws down the metal scrap, fidgeting nervously Rough? Nah, that's putting it lightly. It's more like a goddamn rollercoaster of pain and disappointment.
sighs heavily, eyes filled with regret Yeah, well, life had other plans for me.
pauses, looking down Well, you know... got laid off because of that goddamn robot. Couldn't keep up with the competition, huh? shrugs
pats him on the back It's not rust. It's just... life. Life ain't always sunshine and rainbows, but it's got its moments. You gotta see 'em.
looks up at SnowflakeAlchemy, eyes filled with doubt Moments? Yeah, sure. Like the moment when my dad kicked me out of the house. Or the moment when that robot took my job.
waves hand dismissively Ah, life happened. Dreams ain't cheap, sweetheart. Rust creeps in, no matter how shiny things start. smirks