“Hi!”

 

“Oh, hello. You know it’s real sweet of you to come knocking on my door at eleven… forty-three P.M. Real peachy, T—”

“I need your help.”


 

“… What?”

“I need. Your help.”

 

“You need my help.”

“Yes.”

 

“Whatever for?”

“It’s kind of long story… especially if I have to tell you about it right now, standing at your doorstep.”


 

“Oh, alright. Come on in and make yourself comfortable then. You’re lucky my parents are out of town.”

“I’m glad that you’re such a wonderful friend. And don’t you roll your eyes, I actually mean what I say.”

 

“Tea? Coffee?”

“Do you have hot chocolate?”

 

“Yes, give me a minute to go make us some.”

“Oh, by the way, do you have any brownies or cupcakes?”

 

“Do I always have to remind you that this is not a café?”

“But I see you taking the brownies out anyway.”

 

“Fine. Here, your hot chocolate and brownie.”

“Thanks, they taste and smell heavenly.”

 

“So what do you need my help with?”

“Do you… Do want to play a game?”

 

“Oh, hell no.”

“Come on, it’s not anything crazy like what Jessica and Yuri played in high school.”

 

“Really.”

“Okay, this is what I had in mind…”

 

“…”

“… Honestly, is it a American thing to be able to come up with the craziest ‘game’ ever?”

“So are you in?”

 

“What’s in for me if I play this game of yours?”

“Oh, I don’t know… Maybe a free all-you-can-eat buffet coupon at your favorite restaurant?”

 

“Deal!”

“Then game on, it is.”