A tale of two tables.

[tedwords]

So, I'm making dinner, when Theo, who's sitting at the computer turns to me and says, "So, how was your day?"

This kind of surprises me, because it's been many, many years since Theo has asked about how my day was. Usually, it's me asking him how his day is, and getting some snotty answer back like, "It was day-riffic."

But, I decide not to say anything about any of this, and just enjoy actually being asked. "Actually, it was pretty good." And then, cautiously. "How was yours?"

"I had a pretty good day, too," Theo replies, quite contendedly. Wow, this was quite a revelation. Is this really my kid? Who replaced him while I wasn't looking? "Lunch was the best. I love my lunchtimes at high school." And then, a pause. "Do you like your lunches?"

I think about it for a minute. "Lunch is always the best part of any day, Theo. It doesn't matter whether you're in high school or at work."

"Who do you sit with?" 

"Usually David. Sometimes Sarah."

"Are you guys considered the cool kids?" 

I laugh. "No, I wouldn't say that. How about at your table?"

Theo shrugs his shoulders. "We're okay. So, who are the cool kids at your lunch?"

Oh, this is an easy one. "Look, Theo, I work for an insurance company," I reply. "Seriously, there ARE no cool kids where I work."

Nice that he was asking, though. And to think, he's still fourteen years old. Maybe he'll get out of those angry sullen teen-age years faster than most.

Well, it's worth hoping. After all, we did photograph him on the ultrasound with a big smile on his face. Maybe that was a hint of things to come.