The Rent Is Too Damn High

My birthday had finally arrived, and I couldn’t have been more excited to spend it with my family. We all gathered around a large, rustic table at BBQs, one of our favorite spots in the city. The aroma of deliciously grilled meats filled the air, while laughter and lively conversation resonated throughout the restaurant. The booze was flowing freely, and everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves. Brenna was there too, her beautiful smile lighting up the room. In the midst of our struggles, having her by my side felt like a small victory. We’d been through so much together, and I was determined to make the most of our time together on this special day. But as the night wore on, my insecurities began to surface. In many ways, I was embarrassed to be seen by Brenna, knowing that our marriage was hanging on by a thread due to the decisions I was making. My alcoholism and addiction had caused a rift between us, and it pained me to think that I was the reason for our fragile relationship. We decided to leave the restaurant and walked the streets of the city, arm in arm, trying to find a place where we could be alone together. The cool night air enveloped us as we strolled through the bustling streets, the city’s energy pulsating around us. And then, out of nowhere, we ran into a celebrity. He was a politician known for his catchy phrase “the rent is too damn high.” His imposing presence and quirky mustache were unmistakable, even in the dim light of the street. I couldn’t help but chuckle at the irony of it all, knowing that I was struggling to make ends meet myself. Here I was, a grown man, still trying to figure out my place in the world. My dreams of success and global domination felt so far away in that moment. But at the same time, I felt a glimmer of hope. Maybe things would work out between Brenna and me. Maybe I would find success in my career and my various artistic pursuits. Maybe, just maybe, I could finally give her everything I had promised her on the day we got married. This encounter with the larger-than-life politician served as a reminder that life was full of unexpected moments and opportunities. In that instant, I knew I had to keep pushing forward, keep fighting for my dreams, and for my family.