"Don't do this to me," said George, on his knees, hands clasped together and beads of sweat dotting his face like a desperate man in confession. I looked around the park and saw people staring. I pulled in a big breath and let it out in a slow sigh.

"George, it's over."

"Fine!" he yelled and stormed away.

I watched him go until I couldn't see him anymore. I turned and walked the other way. I fought the urge to cry until finally it poured out of me.

Six months is a long time for ten-dollar bet.