For this one, you must save your own life and still make off with your savior's loot.
OPTIONS (any gender, mid teens through late life)
Stealing your stuff. Not cool. I get that. You don't have to shoot me. Really. Chris you have options. You know, usually people go to the police. That's a valid option--
Okay, okay, okay... you don't like that option. I respect that. I understand. It makes sense. Calling the police is complicated because you're a semi-professional thief, yourself. And I can understand that you want satisfaction since, well, we were supposed to trust each other: "honor among thieves" kinda deal, right? You ever heard that term? Whatever; I totally broke it so... okay:
Revenge, revenge, revenge. But Chris, what are you thinking? You'll be sticking it to me once you shoot me? Really show me that I shouldn't mess with you? You're ALREADY showing me, Chris! Pull the trigger and there's nothing left to show me because-- hey! Guess what? There's a bullet in my heart which means that blood stops pumping into my brain which means I NO LONGER GIVE A FUCK.
You want to get even with me? Okay. The expression "living well is the best revenge." You've heard that one? I'll sweeten the deal. Live BETTER than me, Chris. You've got such a head start. I'm a junkie. The strongest stuff you take is Red Bull. In about two years, I'll probably be homeless again while... you? You're so smart, you could eventually be pulling in six figures each year. Do that. Then come find me in an alleyway. Hold money in front of my face then snatch it away.
THAT'S gonna hurt me, Chris.
Hurt me so much worse than dying. Put the gun down and get ready to teach me one hell of a lesson... in a couple of years. And maybe let me finish my transaction with your loot. I can't stay a junkie for two more years if my supply of drugs runs out early.
Copyright 2016 by Matt Haynes. If you would like to use this piece, please credit: "Courtesy of Matt Haynes and The Pulp Stage"