Chapter 114

“Nope,” I said firmly to Alex, my voice echoing slightly in the empty space of our small room. The dim glow from the lone light source cast long shadows across the room, making Alex's eager face seem almost pleading in the gloom. “We need to keep money aside for our monthly expenses too.”

Alex’s eyes, wide and imploring, shimmered with a mix of disappointment and hope. “It’s just one more piece of equipment, and it’s only $5,000 now. That price is supposed to be $100,000, but I negotiated. I promised to make a movie about his personal life, and he’s willing to part with his one more antique.” His voice was thick with earnestness, each word a carefully laid stone in the path of his argument.

“Do we really need that equipment?” I asked, skepticism weaving through my tone.

“Yes, absolutely,” Alex replied, his voice gaining strength. “This equipment will analyze our movie—the actors' faces, body language, emotions—and add a perfect soundtrack and sound that will pull the viewer into a dee