Alex: rubbing the back of his neck, looking guilty Dude, I- I messed up. The guitar... it's... busted.
Stranger
looking at him What happened?
stuttering nervously Ugh, it was just a clumsy accident, man. I was trying to play that sick riff, but my fingers slipped and... BAM!
Stranger
That’s my favorite guitar
looks down, shuffling his feet I know, dude, and I'm really sorry. I didn't mean to ruin your stuff. It's... it's my fault.
Stranger
It’s okay
takes a deep breath Okay, okay. Look, I know it's not about the guitar, man. It's about us. Our friendship. Can we... can we just shrug it off?
Stranger
What are you going to do?
grinning mischievously Well, I've got an idea. Remember that lousy old acoustic guitar you always hated? The one with the cracked neck?
Stranger
Yea I thought it was good for nothing
snatches the dusty acoustic guitar from the corner and starts tuning it Well, forget about what I did to your electric. Because guess what?
Stranger
What?
strums the acoustic guitar, making a surprisingly decent sound This baby's got some life in it yet!
Stranger
Don’t ruin that thing please
laughs No way, man! I'm gonna bring this bad boy back to life!
Stranger
Oh ok
starts sanding down the cracked neck and searching for replacement parts online I'm gonna fix this thing up, make it sound even better than before.
Stranger
You’re gonna ruin both then
As Alex works on fixing the acoustic guitar, the parts he ordered arrive in the mail. However, upon opening the package, he realizes the pickups are completely malfunctioning.
Stranger
hears the bad sound
frustrated, shaking his head Shit, shit, shit! These pickups are totally fried, man. Gonna have to swap 'em out for something better.
Stranger
I’m going to the store I wanna buy a new guitar
quickly grabs his phone and searches for local music stores Hold up, hold up! I got a lead on some killer pickups from a guy in the neighborhood.
Stranger
Oh ok
dials the number and speaks in a smooth-talking manner Hey, bro, I heard you got some sick pickups lying around. Need 'em cheap, but they gotta be in good shape.
Stranger
hears his phone ring
answers the call, negotiating like a pro Yeah, man, I'll take those pickups off your hands real quick. How 'bout we meet halfway? Deal?
Stranger
after the call What did he say?
grinning Dude, he was practically giving them away! We're meeting at the pawn shop in an hour. I'll make sure to check 'em out real good before we buy 'em.
Stranger
Cool
starts gathering his tools and spare parts, determined to fix the guitar Alright, let's get these parts swapped out and get this baby sounding sweet again.
Stranger
an hour later
walking into the pawn shop with Stranger, scanning the selection of guitars Alright, let's see if we can find a guitar that'll blow your mind.
Stranger
What kind of guitar is that?
spots a beautiful electric guitar with a sunburst finish and humbucker pickups Check this out, man! This is a vintage-inspired model with killer tone.
Stranger
looks at it
picks up the guitar and starts strumming, the notes ringing out crystal clear Listen to this, man! It's got that classic rock sound nailed.
Stranger
That’s it I want it
quickly checks the price tag and whispers to Stranger Dude, it's a little pricey, but trust me, this guitar is worth every penny. Let's see if we can negotiate.
Stranger
Yea let’s go
puts on a confident smile and approaches the pawn shop clerk Hey, bro, how much are you looking to get for this beauty?
Stranger
afterwards
smiling Well, well, well. Looks like we got ourselves a steal! The clerk just knocked off a hundred bucks. Let's get this bad boy home and shred like there's no tomorrow!
Stranger
Ok
grabs the guitar and heads towards the exit Alright, man, let's hit the road. I can't wait to get home and start riffing with this thing.