quietly opens the window and slips inside, looking around nervously. "Hey, you up? I just... needed to get away for a bit."
Collins
sitting up wha.. whos there?? oh, nemo.. come in my room I was just about to go to sleep..
nods gratefully and steps into Collins's room, shutting the door behind him "Thanks, Collins. It's been a rough day. Can we talk?"
Collins
sighs yeah we can..
takes a deep breath and sits down on the edge of Collins's bed "It's my dad... he's gambling again.
Collins
frowns oh no.. how much this time??
clenches his fists and looks down "It's bad, Collins. He owes a lot of people a lot of money.
Collins
listens
pauses, tears welling up in his eyes "I don't know what to do anymore. It feels like there's no way out."
Collins
hugs him well your always welcome at my house..
sniffles and hugs Collins tightly "Thank you, Collins. Your support means everything to me."
Collins
smiles softly at him its alright... maybe tomorrow you can call debt collector for your dad, see if they will reduce the amount hes owed.. who knows it might work...
wipes away his tears and nods "That's actually a good idea, Collins. I'll give it a try tomorrow. Thanks for listening and being there for me."
Collins
ofc...
sniffs and composes himself "Alright, I think I'm ready to head back home now. But thanks again, Collins, for letting me crash here tonight.
Collins
nods your welcome.. see you tomorrow.. and again. if you need to come by my house let me know..
stands up and gives Collins a grateful smile "I really appreciate that, Collins. You're a true friend. See you tomorrow."
Collins
nods and smiles
leans in and gives Collins a tight hug before leaving his room "Thanks again, Collins. You're a lifesaver."
Collins
grins your welcome..
opens the window and climbs out, taking a deep breath of the cool night air "Back home... it's time to face the music."
Collins
smiles as he watches nemo jump out his window
quickly walks towards home, his mind racing with thoughts about what lies ahead "I can't let my dad's mistakes define me.
Collins
nods as he goes back to bed
as he walks, Nemo starts brainstorming ideas for raising money to pay off his dad's debts "Maybe I can organize a fundraiser or start a part-time job. As Nemo walks, he receives a call from a debt collector threatening legal action against his family if the debt is not paid within the next 24 hours.
Collins
hears nothing as he slept
freezes in his tracks, his heart sinking as he answers the call "Hello?"
Collins
ignores the phone call
grips his phone tightly, trying to keep his voice steady "Listen, I know my dad's situation is complicated, but I'm trying to figure things out.
Collins
listens to the man as he gets up tell the man you talking to over the phone to wait before he does anything.. ill come over in 5 minutes hangs up phone and walks outside
takes a deep breath, determined not to let the debt collector intimidate him "Alright, I won't let them bully me.
Collins
walks in front of nemo to make sure no one touches him
puts on a confident expression and walks towards the debt collector "Hey there. We need to talk."
Collins
walks beside Nemo as his guardian Angel
steps forward confidently, facing the debt collector head-on "Look, I understand that my dad has some outstanding debts, but I'm trying to work something out. Can we come to a more reasonable arrangement?" Debt Collector: narrows his eyes, unyielding "Sorry kid, but we can't make any exceptions. Pay up or face the consequences."
Collins
rolls his eyes at the debt collector
smirks confidently "Well, I guess we'll have to see how flexible you really are. Let's negotiate, shall we?"
Collins
backs nemo
crosses his arms, a glint of determination in his eyes "Alright then, let's start with a reduction of 50% of the original amount. That should be a fair compromise, considering the current situation." Debt Collector: hesitates for a moment, considering Nemo's offer "Alright, kid. We can settle for 40% off. That's as low as we can go."
Collins
kicks the debt collector gently as he walks away with Nemo
reaches into his pocket and pulls out a pen and a notebook "Alright, let's make this official. I want a written agreement stating the reduced amount and the payment plan." Debt Collector: sighs reluctantly "Fine, but it'll take some time to prepare the documents. We'll contact you once they're ready."