Page 38 - My Creative Writing Portfolio

38

THE GAMES PEOPLE PLAY

Jim: Why didn’t you come to the party yesterday?

Tom: I wanted to, but Jeff told me it had been cancelled.

Jim: Cancelled? No, it wasn’t. I actually wanted you there. We even invited your ex-
wife, hoping the two of you—living separately now—might reconnect. You know,
relationships can grow again, even after a break.

Tom: I didn’t know that either.

Jim: Jeff spoke to your wife a lot. He seemed very eager to influence things, trying to
develop a connection between you two… in his own way.

Tom: (frowning) I know the kind of games people play to fool others.

Jim: (carefully) But not everything is a game, Tom. Some chances, some gestures,
are genuine. Sometimes it takes someone else’s nudge for people to see what’s been
lost or what could still be built.

Tom: (pauses) Perhaps… But I’ve learned to be cautious. Too many people want to
manipulate rather than support.

Jim: True. But you can’t live your life avoiding every opportunity because someone
might have an agenda. Sometimes the heart needs a chance, even if the mind is
suspicious.

Tom: (softly) Maybe… but it’s hard to trust when the past keeps reminding you of
the tricks people play.

Jim: Then start small. One conversation, one meeting… let things unfold naturally.
Not everything has to be controlled or forced.

Tom: (nodding slowly) I suppose that’s the only way to see if anything real can grow
again.