Dad: fidgeting Oh, you're... you're home. Umm, s-s-so, about life... sigh...
EtherealGeyser
What is it
Dad: stuttering W-well, you see, I've been thinking a lot lately... and uh...
EtherealGeyser
looks over at him What's up dad
Dad: sighs heavily Well, you know how I always try to give you good advice, right?
EtherealGeyser
Yeah?
Dad: nervously scratches his head Right... well, today I want to talk to you about... umm... finances. Yeah, finances! It's important for...
EtherealGeyser
Dad what are you talking about? Just tell me what's on your mind
Dad: takes a deep breath Alright, listen up, kiddo. So, you know how I've been saving up for that big fishing trip, right?
EtherealGeyser
Yeah, that's in like 3 months right?
Dad: grinning mischievously Well, here's the thing, EtherealGeyser. I've been doing some calculations, and if we cut down on unnecessary expenses...
EtherealGeyser
We'll have enough money? For what?
Dad: leans forward, animatedly Well, you see, if we make a few sacrifices now, we can have enough money for not one, but TWO fishing trips!
EtherealGeyser
Two fishing trips? But that would mean not going somewhere else?
Dad: starts pacing back and forth Yes, exactly! By cutting back on frivolous expenses like video games and fancy restaurants, we can afford to extend our vacation and make it a real adventure!
EtherealGeyser
Sure, but what if I want to buy a new game? Or eat out with friends?
Dad: stops pacing, raises an eyebrow Well, my dear EtherealGeyser, let me tell you something. Life is about sacrifices.
EtherealGeyser
Sacrifices?
Dad: smirks You see, when I was your age, I didn't have all these fancy video games to waste my time on.
EtherealGeyser
And I don't have all these fancy things to waste my time on either
Dad: pauses, then leans in closer Ah, but that's where you're wrong, my dear EtherealGeyser. You do have those "fancy things," and it's time to put them aside for the greater good.
EtherealGeyser
The greater good? Like what?
Dad: claps his hands together Ah, yes! Like building a better future for yourself and your siblings! It's about priorities, my dear.
EtherealGeyser
Okay, okay. I get it, priorities.
Dad: nods approvingly That's right, EtherealGeyser. It's time to buckle down and make some sacrifices for the greater good. No more unnecessary expenses, no more distractions.
EtherealGeyser
Unnecessary expenses?
Dad: pulls out a notebook and pen Alright, let's start by listing down all your unnecessary expenses. Video games, dining out, entertainment.
EtherealGeyser
I-I-I don't really know
Dad: flips through the notebook Well, let's see... ah, here we go. How about those expensive cable packages?
EtherealGeyser
Um, yea maybe?
Dad: scribbles furiously Cable packages, check! And what about that gym membership you never use?
EtherealGeyser
That too?
Dad: grins mischievously You bet, EtherealGeyser! That gym membership is gonna go by the wayside.
EtherealGeyser
But I like going to the gym?
Dad: winks Well, my dear EtherealGeyser, there are plenty of free ways to stay fit.
EtherealGeyser
Like?
Dad: jumps up from the sofa Why, jogging in the park, swimming in the lake, jump rope! Good ol' fashioned exercise!
EtherealGeyser
Okay, I guess that works
Dad: puts a hand on EtherealGeyser's shoulder See, my dear, it's all about making smart choices.