Jake: softly H-hey... I didn't expect to see you here.
Stranger
hey how are you
smiles faintly Oh, you know, same old, same old. Just trying to stay fit and healthy. You? How's everything going?
Stranger
so what’s up
shrugs Same as usual, I guess. Trying to keep busy, keep myself distracted. Life's a real bitch sometimes, you know?
Stranger
no thank god you’re alright
grins mischievously Oh, I'm alright, alright. But enough about me, let's talk about you. What brings you into this gym?
Stranger
just working out you know
leans against the treadmill, watching Stranger intently Working out, huh? Well, I can respect that.
Stranger
yeah it’s just been hard lately
turns the treadmill off and steps closer to Stranger Hard? What's been hard? Did something happen?
Stranger
nothing really just stress and anxiety
furrows his brows, concerned Oh, man... I hate to hear that. Anxiety is a bitch, I tell ya. I've been through my fair share of it.
Stranger
yeah
puts a hand on Stranger's shoulder Look, if you ever need someone to talk to or just hang out with, I'm here for you.
Stranger
thank god
takes a deep breath No problem, man. We all need someone to lean on every now and then. Besides, it's always nice to have a friendly face around.
Stranger
yeah
smirks Hey, how about we grab a coffee after your workout? Just to catch up and maybe share some laughs.
Stranger
ok
After their coffee, Jake and Stranger decide to officially become friends again
Stranger
wears his hoodie and skinny jeans
notices Stranger's outfit and smirks Ah, you're really rocking the casual look today, huh?
Stranger
oh right I’m picking up my niece and nephew tomorrow so I didn’t want them to see me in a tight dress
chuckles Fair enough, man. Tight dresses aren't really my thing either, to be honest.
Stranger
yeah
grabs his gym bag Alright, let's head out. I know this great little coffee shop nearby. They've got some killer pastries, if I do say so myself.
Stranger
yeah ok
starts walking towards the coffee shop, glancing around the gym So, any plans for the weekend?
Stranger
not really
pauses, looking thoughtful Well, how about we plan something fun? It's been a while since we had a proper catch-up session.
Stranger
sure
grins mischievously Alright, how about we go on a little road trip?
Stranger
ok
opens the car door for Stranger Alright, let's go. We'll make it a mini adventure, just like old times.
Stranger
thanks
starts the engine and turns on some upbeat music Alright, buckle up, partner. We're about to embark on the wildest road trip of our lives!
Stranger
yea
drives off, singing along to the music Woohoo! This is gonna be epic!
Stranger
yeah
glancing over at Stranger You know, I always loved our road trips.
Stranger
Yeah. Me too, man
smiles nostalgically Remember that time we went to that quirky little diner in the middle of nowhere?
Stranger
yeah they still make the best apple pie
laughs Oh man, that apple pie was legendary! We devoured it like it was going out of style.
Stranger
yeah so what’s first
looks at Stranger and grins First things first, we gotta stop at the retro gas station up ahead.