19

Later, I heard that Zac always believed he could make a comeback.

He used the last of his savings for a big investment, but it all went wrong.

He lost his house and car to the bank and had a huge debt. He took a job as a delivery driver and rented a dim, damp basement again.

When I unexpectedly ran into Zac, he was sitting by the roadside, eating a cheap meal that cost less than ten dollars.

He looked incredibly thin, with a hunched back and tanned skin. There were wrinkles at the corners of his eyes, making him appear ten years older.

After finishing his meal and wiping his mouth with a tissue, he noticed me. For a moment, he instinctively looked away, trying to act like he hadn't seen me.

However, he soon stood up, straightened his wrinkled clothes, and walked over to me.

"It's been a while," he said.

I nodded and replied, "Yes, it has."

Zac noticed my new car, and his back seemed even more hunched. He managed a weak smile and said, "You've been doing better and better."

I didn't