The Talk

-Can we roll the windows down? It’s really hot in here.
-Sure babe.
-How did the interview go?
-Same as all the others.
-That good, huh?
-That good.
-I know you’ll find something soon.
-I guess.
-What do you mean? That’s what you want right?
-I don’t know what I want.
-We talked about this.
-I know that.
-I thought your mind was made up. Do you want to talk more?
-No.
-Do you want to go to college?
-No.
-The smartest person in our graduating class by a long shot and you don’t want to go to college.
-This again?
-Oh hush, you know I don’t care. It may even make me love you more.
-Right.
-What does your dad say?
-You can probably guess. “Get a degree or your life is over.”
-You should tell him.
-Why?
-Why not?
-He’s got enough to worry about. Besides, I’d rather be able to live the rest of my life without everyone else worrying about me.
-He’ll find out soon enough.
-Soon enough.
-Do you ever want to just get away?
-What do you mean?
-We should just start driving and not stop until we’ve seen a dozen things that take our breath away and then stop there and find a house to live in.
-Well I’m at one already.
-One what?
-Thing that takes my breath away.
-You’re so sweet. I’m serious though.
-I’ve thought about it. As happy as it would make me, I couldn’t leave everything.
-What’s to leave?
-Family mostly.
-They’re ok without you.
-I guess I know that, but deep inside it feels like I’m running out on them.
-Sometimes you have to live for yourself.
-Sometimes some people have to live for themselves. Others need to live for the people they love.
-If they loved you they would want you to be happy.
-Oh they do.
-Then what’s stopping you?
-Part of me always thinks I’m doing the wrong thing.
-Tell that part to shut up. Just do what feels right.
-...
-Are you done talking?
-I didn’t even say anything.
-I know, that’s what I mean. You reach a point and it’s like you run out of words.
-I’m sorry.
-Don’t be sorry. I love you.
-I know
-...
-Now who’s run out of words?
-Oh, I’M not allowed to be quiet?
-I didn’t say that.
-Those apartments down by the lake are nice. What are they called?
-I don’t know.
-We should drive by tomorrow.
-I thought you were going to drive across the country?
-They aren’t as nice as some of the others in town but I think the view is worth it.
-You wanted to go to college.
-Yes, I did.
-Well, why aren’t you?
-Things change.
-They don’t have to.
-Don’t they?
-We could change our minds. It’s not too late.
-Some things are more important than college. Sometimes it’s more important to live the life you’re given instead of the one everyone expects of you.
-Sometimes.
-Most times.
-Most people don’t do it.
-Most people don’t. You should tell your dad.
-Which part?
-Everything.
-No.
-Then who is supposed to explain? Me?
-No, I’ve written a letter.
-Oh, that makes it all ok then.
-Hush.
-We could move to the moon.
-That’s definitely what we should do.
-The baby would have plenty of room to play!
-...
-Are you empty again?
-I guess so. You know I would be ok with it right? I mean, if we did it. You shouldn’t have to, I mean, by yourself…
-I wouldn’t be ok. I’ll need this.
-Ok.
-Will you play catch with him?
-So sure it’s a boy?
-I am. Will you take him fishing?
-...
-What did the doctor say?
-...
-What did he say? Less than we thought?
-...
-What did he say?
-Two months.
-...
-I’m sorry.
-You need to tell your Dad.
-I’ll tell him tonight.
-Hold me.
-Make sure our boy gets to go fishing, will you?
-I will.
-Thanks for not crying.
-I’m empty.