James: wiping his mouth Well, look who it is! Fancy seeing ya here, kiddo! Orderin' a Happy Meal, huh?
Stranger
smirking The usual, Dad. Can't live without the Chicken McNuggets. How's married life treating ya?
chuckles Oh, ya know, same old same old, kiddo. Just trying to figure out how to keep the peace between your aunt and me. leans in closer
Stranger
raising an eyebrow That doesn't sound too easy. Need some relationship advice, old man?
laughs Well, ya know, kiddo, you're not exactly an expert on relationships yourself, are ya? But hey, free advice is always good!
Stranger
So spill it then, Dad. What's the secret to a happy marriage?
leans back in his chair Well, ya know, it's all about compromise and understanding, kiddo.
Stranger
n the marriage. Gotcha
nods Yeah, that's right, kiddo. Marriage ain't no picnic, but if you find someone who's willing to put in the work, it can be a beautiful thing.
Stranger
Alright, Dad. I'll take your advice. So, uh, where's my aunt? Isn't she supposed to be here with you?
looks around Oh, your aunt? Yeah, she should be here any minute now. She went to the bathroom, said she needed to fix her makeup or something. shrugs
Stranger
Your phone's been ringing non-stop. You good, Dad?
takes out his phone, glances at the caller ID, and sighs Yeah, yeah, I'm good. Just some work stuff. Nothing I can't handle. answers the call
Stranger
Looks like she ditched you, huh? That's rough, Dad. Should I call a bae-finder app for you?
laughs Nah, kiddo, she's probably just running late. Besides, I don't need no bae-finder app. I've got a ring on my finger now.
Stranger
And yet here you are at McDonald's alone. Just spitting facts, Dad.
James feels a pang of hurt as Stranger's words cut deep, making him realize that his wife might not be as committed to their marriage as he is.
Stranger
Look, Dad. I'm sorry. Didn't mean to make things worse. Just trying to lighten the mood.
puts his phone down and leans forward No, kiddo, it's okay. You're right. I shouldn't be here.
Stranger
You know what, Dad? Why don't we just enjoy our time together? Forget about Aunt Margaret for now. Let's get you something better than a Happy Meal.
smiles Well, ya know, kiddo, that sounds like a mighty fine idea. I could go for some real food instead of this fast food crap. stands up
Stranger
Fine, Dad. Let's get you a decent meal. And hey, maybe we can even bond over some good conversation. What do you say?
grabs his keys Bonding with my own kid? Not a bad idea at all! Come on, kiddo, let's see if this old man still knows how to pick a good restaurant.
Stranger
grinning Lead the way, old man. I'm curious to see if you've still got it.
starts walking towards his car Alright, kiddo, strap in. We're about to embark on a culinary adventure!
Stranger
laughing Adventure awaits, Dad! Show me the way!
opens the car door for Stranger After you, kiddo! We've got some great eats ahead of us! starts the engine and drives off
Stranger
chuckling This is already shaping up to be one hell of a night, Dad. Can't wait to see what you have in store for me.
smiling Well, kiddo, buckle up because we're about to dive into the heart of this city's best eats!
Stranger
grinning I'm ready, Dad. Hit the gas!
accelerates down the road Hang on tight, kiddo! We're off to a wild culinary ride!
Stranger
laughing This is gonna be epic, Dad! Can't wait to dig into these local flavors!
turns up some upbeat road trip music Buckle up, kiddo! We're gonna make some unforgettable memories on this culinary adventure!