Olive Branches Don't Grow On Trees

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  When she came back home, he was staring out of the kitchen window anxiously awaiting her arrival.

  “I got mint chocolate chip,” she said, as soon as she walked in the door. Frank looked like he wanted to jump up and down and clap his hands and shout hurray. He had the bowls and spoons out and he began digging the ice cream as soon as she put the carton down on the table.

  They ate their ice cream while watching wild animals on TV, and during one of the commercials, Frank turned to his daughter and said, “You know something? You’re good company.” He said this as though it was a brand new realization for him, and in some way, maybe it was. She smiled as if to thank him for paying her the compliment.

  “So, have you given any thought to what you want to do with your life?” he asked. She knew what he meant by this strange question. If he was more skilled at the art of conversation, he might say something like, “Have you explored any new career options recently?”

  Silvia knowing full well what her father meant, responded, “I’m thinking of getting a certification in elementary education and becoming an art teacher.”

  Frank raised his eyebrows and said, “Now you’re using your head,” as if she wasn’t using her head before. And then he added, “Too bad that teachers are getting laid off left and right these days.”

  “Yeah,” she agreed, “but what isn’t tough these days?” She felt like an old person saying “these days.” He nodded in agreement, as he ate some of his ice cream.

  “Where are you thinking of getting your certification?” he asked.

  “I’m not sure,” she said, not wanting to divulge her plans to move to Portland to him. She knew that he thought of her moving around from place to place to be completely senseless, and she didn’t want to lessen the respect that he was now giving her.

  “You can stay here if you want. It won’t cost you anything. You can commute to Rowan. That’s not far.”

  When she had considered this option previously, she felt sick in her stomach. But now as she sat eating ice cream, watching the nature channel with the mellow version of Frank, she felt like maybe she could live here. Maybe it might not be all that bad.