Winter 2008
Coffee Shop across from Kennedy Center
Dad: How did you like the ballet?
T: Awesome! I loved their costumes and all of the dances. Sometimes I was falling asleep too!
Dad: I sure was not going to fall asleep with you sitting on my lap!
T: Sorry dad! I could not see anything from my own seat– with that woman in front of me.
Dad: Well, I was looking at the back of your head most of the time - myself!
T: Laughing – you’re so funny, dad. What was your favorite part?
Dad: I have several; I liked dances of the flowers… Interrupts…
T: It’s Waltz of the Flowers!
Dad: Right! The Waltz of the Flowers, Spanish dance, Russian Dance, Arabian dance, Chinese dance…I liked them all. Like you, I loved the costumes, too.
T: I loved the marches.
Dad: How about you Samantha? (Samantha - or Sam is a doll.) How did you like the ballet?
T: She loved it. She is my little sister she likes everything I like.
Dad: Don’t be so sure! She has not spoken a word since we left the theatre. That can’t be a good sign.
T: How about it Sam? Did you like the Ballet?
Dad: (Talking for Samantha) All I saw was the back of the chair in front of me – how could I like that?
T: Laughing.
Dad: (Talking for Samantha) You should have took me on your lap too!
T: Laughing.
Dad: You had your own seat, Sam; It’s real big for a doll!
Dad: (Talking for Samantha) Right! But I could not see anything from my seat!.
Dad: Did you enjoyed the music – at least?
T: Laughing. Don’t worry Sam. I’ll read you the book and we can watch the DVD together.
Dad: I think she likes the idea of you and her reading it together. Look at that, look at that face! She looks a lot happier - now.
T: How is your coffee, dad?
Dad: Not that great. I don’t think it’s fresh!
T: The pie is great. Do you want some?
Dad: No thanks, I pass.
T: Can I have some of your coffee?
Dad: You know the answer!
T: Can I smell your coffee?
Dad: Sure! It’s not that fresh, though!
T: Dad, is there a university around here?
Dad: Yes! George Washington University, and Goergetown a little farther.
T: Where?
Dad: Goerge Washington University is in Foggy Bottom; Where do we take the shuttle when we come with metro?
T: Oh! I know, I know. That’s George Washington University?
Dad: Yes. And, Goergetown is near Key Bridge.
T: I think that girl is a student at some University. Motioning at a girl sitting nearby.
Dad: Possible!
T: I think she’s from out of town.
Dad: Possible!
T: I think she lives at the dormitory!
Dad: Why do you care honey?
T: Maybe her family does not live here.
Dad: She has her friends; she has her classmates. She should, realy, be using the library.
T: Maybe their library is closed.
Dad: Libraries are usually open till midnight.
T: Awsome! Laughing...Dad, I don’t want to go away for college. I’m not into Harvard, Yale and Princeton. I don’t even want to go to stanford!
Dad: First of all, how do you know about Stanford?
T: “The High School Musical” move.
Dad: Of course! I think we should talk about college - in about - 9, 10 years!
T: I’m serious dad!
Dad: Let’s talk about this when your 16!
T: I want to go to UVA so I can commute every day.
Dad: Commute to UVA? An hour and forty five minutes each way – at least three times a week.
T: That’s fine, dad. I don’t mind, I want to live at home. I want to be with you. Pauses… And I don’t want to stay at the dormitory.
Dad: What is so aweful about dormitories?
T: I don’t know. I can study better at home.
Dad: You don’t have to convice me – you know! When you’re about to go to college and you still want to live at home and you still want to spend time with me, I’d be honored to be a part of your life.
T: We’re gonna have a great time. I can take you to Kennedy Center. I can take you to fancy restaurants, I can buy you gifts; I can, then, be nice to you for a change.
Dad: You are so sweet to want to do these things for your old dad! Interrupts…
T: You are not old – dad!
Dad: I would be somewhat old - some 9, 10 years from now! What was I saying? Oh, of course, you can take me to all these nice places; but your children are the ones who would need your care and attention.
T: They need your attention too!
Dad: They will have my attention, of course!
T: Dad, I’d be very busey you know! Working as a veterinarian and working as a famous artist.
Dad: I know.
T: You have to take care of my children.
Dad: I will!
T: Dad, do we have good universities around here for people to become veterinarians?
Dad: I’m not sure! But, I know we have good medical schools: Goergetown has a good medical school.
T: But I want to become a veterinarian.
Dad: I’d say become a doctor and have lots of pets. You can help the animals by sheltering them and
you will save lives as a doctor. It’s more rewarding.
T: What’s rewarding?
Dad: Satisfying?
T: Oh! How about my art?
Dad: You’re a natural! You don’t have to go to school for that!
T: When can I do my art? I mean.
Dad: You’ll find time. If you like it enough, You’ll find time for it.
T: I’m tired, dad. Can we go home now?
Dad: Sure!