Scene 40

Loan Shark

Urk...!

We have the power, and you have nothin'. We played this by your rules, and you lost. How's that worldview shakin' out for you?

Loan Shark

.........

While I don't care much for your little business, there are folks out there who need it to get by—who have nowhere else to turn.

So, think you could turn down the greed a few notches? Oh, and I'd appreciate you reconsidering Snowy Thrush's debt.

Loan Shark

Gah... F-Fine! Consider it repaid in full! Hell, I'll even hand over her contract! That's fair, right?

Phew... That settles that, then. I'd say it was worth the effort, too.

Did I ever mention I run a restaurant in the real world? My wife and I own a cafe.

Though I guess she's running it by herself now, seeing as I'm trapped here.

I wonder if it's still open... Maybe she decided to just close it down for good. There's no way for me to know...

Whichever it is, I'm sure my being gone isn't easy for her.

Seeing the owner of the Snowy Thrush breaking her back all on her own just reminded me of what my wife must be going through. I guess it was too much for me.

Now, I know it doesn't matter what I do here. None of what we just did is going to help my wife in the real world.

Even so... I couldn't stand by and watch that old woman struggle alone.

Anyway, thanks for letting me get that off my chest.

But enough about me—let's get back to the owner and tell her the good news.