“And, going through Michael’s work so closely, you have been doing fine? It’s not triggering any panic attacks, and you’re finding enjoyment in it all?”
I nod. “I think the class has helped a lot, how invested they are. They bring a lot to the table idea wise.”
“When you first told me about the book, and how the class suggested working on it together…I’ll admit it. I was a bit jealous. I do some teaching on the side and I’ve had some real shit classes over the years. And the ones that aren’t are just…fine? You’ve been through a lot, and you couldn’t have asked for a better group of students in this random semester teaching abroad.”
She stops to jot some notes, tapping her pen against the pad. “What’s the hang up with the book?”
I go over the remaining items being worked out, the homework the kids have going into the next week. Some of the ideas pitched.
The pen stops tapping. “And you’re okay with this? The whole concept of killing off some of the characters Michael worked on for years. It would be okay, you know, if you weren’t okay. And you should be vocal about it if you aren’t.”
“I think it’s right for the story. I don’t think Michael would want a story with a tidy bow and happily ever after. But…I also think he was hesitant to do it himself. And that’s why the story sat unfinished for as long as it has. I think we owe it to him to get it right.”
“To stick the landing.”
I laugh. “Exactly.”
She pauses, looking away from the camera. “So, we have just a few minutes left. How are you doing with being away for Thanksgiving this year?”
It’s something I have thought about a few times. I’ve never been away during the holiday, always with family and most of the time with friends.
“I mean I’ll be a little bummed about it. Who doesn’t want to have a mountain of food, plentiful pies, and just fucking veg in front of the TV debating what your next snack is going to be.”
Dr. Chandler laughs. “My sister tried to ruin Thanksgiving last year.”
“Go on.”
“Well, we have always had a very traditional Thanksgiving meal. It’s been that way since I was a kid and my sister continued this when she started hosting. But last year she married a vegetarian.”
“Oh no.”
“Yup. I think you know what’s coming.”
“Tofu turkey.”
She nods. “Exactly. And she did this without warning, and not supplying a backup main meal option. Diabolical if you ask me. And, yes. It was as bad as you can imagine.”
“I think it could have been worse.”
She squints at the screen. “Please. Enlighten me on what is worse than tofu turkey.”
“Now, have you ever seen the tv showExtreme Cheapskates?” She shakes her head. “So, the premise of this show is people who find the most ridiculous ways to save money. Things that you or I wouldn’t ever think to do. Standing fully clothed in the shower to wash their clothes, using reusable toilet paper—”
“That’s foul.”
“Exactly. So, this one episode was focused on a mother hosting Thanksgiving, or maybe it was another party but a turkey was necessary. She went to this discount grocery outlet and bought a bunch of out-of-date ground chicken and random pieces of chicken and turkey. She proceeded to Frankenstein it together in what she thought looked like a turkey and served it as the meal.”
“No. Did people actually eat it?”
“Some. Most not. It looks absolutely heinous.”
Dr. Chandler shutters. “Well, luckily that’s the end of our time so I don’t have to hear something worse than that. Try and have a happy Thanksgiving Daniel. You might not be able to duplicate Thanksgiving in Dublin, but find something that reminds you of being home for the holiday. It could be just having one of the side dishes or making a pumpkin pie. Do something for you, okay?”
“Understood doc. Happy Thanksgiving.”
31
“Hey Mom.”
