Jake: sighs heavily She’s really leaving, huh? And taking Joey?
EtherealSunsets
Yes
leans back in the chair, running a hand through his hair This is a nightmare. How am I supposed to handle everything on my own?
EtherealSunsets
You’ll be fine
Fine? How can I be fine without my wife and son? It's like losing half of my life! slams fist on the table
EtherealSunsets
It’s gonna be ok
stands up abruptly, knocking over the chair Okay, okay, I get it! I need to pull myself together and figure out a plan.
EtherealSunsets
That’s the spirit
paces back and forth, thinking aloud Alright, let's start with the basics. I need to find a reliable babysitter for Joey.
EtherealSunsets
I give him a list of baby sitters
snatches the list from EtherealSunsets's hand Thanks. I'll start calling them right away.
EtherealSunsets
Ok
quickly dials the first number on his phone Hello, this is Jake. I'm calling about the babysitter list you provided. Is anyone available immediately?
EtherealSunsets
I wait for the results
narrows his eyes as he listens to the voice on the other end Great, thank you. I'll set up a meeting with her tomorrow. ends the call
EtherealSunsets
That’s good
takes a deep breath, trying to calm himself Alright, next step. I need to sit down and create a budget.
EtherealSunsets
Do you need any help?
As Jake creates a budget, he discovers an unexpected credit card bill from a previous luxury purchase he made for his wife.
EtherealSunsets
I look at him You don’t have to pay that bill, he doesn’t care
pauses, conflicted I know I don't have to pay it, but... it's not fair to burden her with my mistakes. I need to find a way to pay it off.
EtherealSunsets
I don’t say anything
sits down at his desk and starts writing a plan to pay off the credit card debt I need to cut down on unnecessary expenses...
EtherealSunsets
I watch him
scribbles furiously, muttering to himself Cancel subscription services... reduce entertainment expenses...