A break is a lucky occurrence that favors you.
We refer to an actor who get "his big break" when he was picked to play a key role in a film or play, for example.
I'm not a teacher, but I write for a living. Please don't ask me about 2nd conditionals, but I'm a safe bet for what reads well in (American) English.
"Getting a break" also is about having the opportunity.
Sometimes it is just being at the right place at the right time.
I think your cartoon speaks to this kind of "break."