I Double Dare You

Raymond and Violet are bored. This technology retreat is really taking its toll. They’ve already played the hell out of every card game they know, they can’t look up new ones, and they can’t seem to come up with something both are interested in.

“Fabulous idea with the techno retreat, Ray,” Violet says sarcastically as she lays on the floor, “Just outstanding use of your brain power.”

“Look,” Raymond says gently nudging her with his foot, “We need to prove a point. We’re able bodied adults who can go a week without technology. So just quit your bickering. It’s only been a day.”

“Why can’t you be like everyone else and not give a damn about what people say?”

“Why can’t you be like other twenty year olds and not bitch about not having a screen in your hands.”

“Ok, boomer.”

“Ironically, at this point, that phrase is for boomers.”

“Yippee. Tell me more about things I don’t care about after you figure out something for us to do. I can’t believe you talked me into this morality bs.”

“I didn’t talk you into anything. I said, ‘I’m taking a break from techno stuff and going to my grandma’s old place for the week. Wanna come? If not, it’s cool.’ And you said, ‘Sure. Beats doing nothing around here.’ Ring a bell?”

“I thought you were talking about music, dick.”

“Well, that’s your fault, dumbass. Now you’re stuck. So might as well make the most of it. So what do you wanna do?”

“For the billionth time, I don’t know. Quit making lame suggestions. Maybe then we’ll finally do something.”

They take a moment to brainstorm. Violet gets more frustrated as time goes on. Raymond, on the other hand, is taking time to flesh out his ideas. After twenty minutes of deafening silence, Violet gets an idea.

“You know what? How about we just play ‘Dare’?

“What about truth?” Raymond questions,

“Truth’s for pussies. You in or out?”

“You know what? Sure. Beats doing nothing around here.”

“Go fuck yourself.”

“Is that my dare? Do I do it right now?”

Raymond starts unbuttoning his pants until Violet taps his leg as they share a chuckle.

“No and no, you perv,” Violet responds, “We can’t do a dare in here. There’s nothing fun to make you do here.”

Raymond scoffs before saying,

“Yeah, alright. Let’s go.”

They gather their belongings before heading out. They walk down the street before reaching a plaza.

“Ok,” Violet starts, “I dare you…to act like an obnoxious vegan in that convenience store in there.”

“I refuse,” Raymond responds,

“Nope. It’s the first round. You either do it or get jumped by everyone when we get back.”

“I thought that only applies to everyone playing the game in the moment.”

“Nope. Now choose.”

“Ugh, fine.”

Raymond reluctantly walks towards the store until Violet shoves him to it. When he enters inside of it, he takes a breath, preparing for the upcoming embarrassment. He looks around, trying to see what he can do. He then sees someone eating a hotdog. He walks over to them before saying,

“I can’t believe you.”

“Excuse me?” the person responds,

“You’re just the absolutely terrible! That was once a living, breathing being. And you’re just gonna partake in the act of killing it? Disgusting. Shameful! You are the most unkind!”

Raymond’s disappointed in himself. Not only is he doing something like this, but he sucks at doing it. The man swallows his mouthful before saying,

“Ok. You done?”

He needs to get Violet back for this. But how? He takes a moment to form something. Then it hits him.

“Alright,” he whispers, “Look behind me, but be discrete about it.”

The man complies.

“There should be a girl right in front of the store,” Raymond continues, “What’s she doing?”

“Uh, kinda laughing her ass off.”

“Ok, I’m gonna level with ya, this was a dare. I’m not actually a vegan.”

“Woah, really? No way. And you did such a convincing job. I mean, ‘You’re just the absolutely terrible’ is just peak performance.”

“Alright, do you wanna give me shit for it or do you wanna make 200 bucks?”

The man is astonished.

“Seriously?” he questions,

“Completely,” Raymond responds,

“Ok, I’m listening.”

Some time passes and Violet looks on as Raymond goes back and forth with the poor stranger.