Joe: "Here's your sub, like my last relationship: hot, messy, but you'll come back for more."
MintyLoneliness
I look at him I appreciate you.
Joe: grinning You know, Minty, sometimes I feel like this sandwich is just a metaphor for life.
MintyLoneliness
It is.
Joe: "Look at this bread, all crusty and battered. That's life, kid. Gonna throw some shit at ya, but you gotta keep your cool."
MintyLoneliness
i do.
Joe: leans in closer, voice low and serious Look, Minty, life's a bitch, ya know? Gonna screw you over at every turn. But here's the thing: you gotta fight back.
MintyLoneliness
I sigh im not going to lie.
Joe: "Well then, spill the tea, babe. What's eatin' at ya?"
MintyLoneliness
just dealing with a few things.
Joe: raises an eyebrow "A few things? Well, ain't that cryptic as hell. Look, kid, I may be a streetwise bastard, but I ain't one to shy away from a good listen.
MintyLoneliness
well.. i broke up with me ex like a year ago. and it was awful. so ever since then i’ve just been struggling. i guess i didn’t wanna deal with anything
Joe: pauses, taking a deep breath "Damn, kid. Breakups are rougher than a bartender's face after a night shift. But hey, you gotta pick yourself up off the floor.
MintyLoneliness
i know… but sometimes it seems like i will never find love again.
Joe: takes a moment to look Minty in the eyes, his expression softening Look, kid, love's a tricky son of a bitch.
MintyLoneliness
i swear i just feel like I can’t do anything right anymore. i feel like I’m failing.
Joe: reaches out and places a hand on Minty's shoulder "Hey, listen to me. Failure ain't a permanent resident in your life.
MintyLoneliness
thanks.
Joe: smirks, takes a bite of his sub "Now, let's switch gears, kid. How about we talk about something more upbeat? Like...
MintyLoneliness
like what?
Joe: winks Like your favorite brand of ice cream or your go-to guilty pleasure podcast.
MintyLoneliness
screams
Joe: laughs heartily "Whoa, Minty, didn't expect that outburst from ya! But hey, guilty pleasures are our secret weapons, right?