That’s a reasonable question.”
I surprised them both.
“Yes.
Probably.”
Dad nodded.
For years, that would have ended the discussion.
Prestige.
Rank.
Achievement.
Those had always sounded like complete answers to him.
Instead he asked, “Do you want to be a general?”
I opened my mouth.
Nothing came out.
Dad waited.
“I don’t know.”
“Then maybe that’s the question.”
I stared at him.
He looked almost uncomfortable with his own wisdom.
“What?” he said.
“I’m allowed one good thought tonight.”
Madison sat on the edge of the desk.
“What would you do if you didn’t take it?”
“There’s another position at the Pentagon.”
“Is that what you want?”
“It’s interesting work.”
“That was not my question.”
I gave her a look.
She smiled.
“Mom left instructions.
Apparently we have to know you now.”
The next morning, we had breakfast together.
Nothing profound happened.
