The next day. Susan and Michelle are setting the table for dinner. |
Michelle: |
I love my school. I have so many good friends there now. I wouldn't miss a day even if I were really sick. |
Susan: |
Come and sit down for a minute, Michelle. I'd like to talk to you about something. Something important. |
Michelle: |
What's wrong, Susan? |
Susan: |
Oh, there's nothing wrong, Michelle. But your daddy and I are talking about something that I'd like your opinion about. |
Michelle: |
I know. I heard you talking about it the other night when I was trying on my new clothes. It's about moving to Los Angeles. |
Susan: |
You're right. How do you feel about it? |
Michelle: |
Well, I really wouldn't want to move, but ... |
Susan: |
But? |
Michelle: |
But if you and Daddy wanted to, I guess you know what's best for the family and for me. |
Susan: |
That's very considerate of you, Michelle. But what about your friends? |
Michelle: |
I'd miss them a lot, but I know what it feels like to miss someone. |
Susan: |
Honey, we don't have to move if you're not going to be happy about it. |
Michelle: |
Does Daddy want to move? |
Susan: |
I think so. He's going to tell us tonight about the job offer. |
A little later that evening. Harry arrives. He is ready to eat dinner with the family. |
Harry: |
Well, how was everybody's day today? |
Susan: |
Michelle was chosen to do the school poster for the play this year. |
Harry: |
Congratulations, Michelle! That's something! And how was your day, Susan? |
Susan: |
I see you're in a good mood. Why don't you tell us about your day. |
Harry: |
I met with Bill York. |
Susan: |
It's OK to talk about it, Harry. Michelle knows all about it. |
Harry: |
Really? |
Susan: |
Really, Harry. Michelle and I have all kinds of feelings about leaving New York, the family, and friends. But if you think you should take the job, we're behind you. |
Harry: |
What about Michelle's school? |
Susan: |
We'll move after the school term. |
Harry: |
What about her new friends? |
Michelle: |
I'll make new friends wherever we are as long as we're together. |
Susan: |
We're a family, Harry. Whatever you think is right for you is right for us. |
Harry: |
I am so touched. The two of you are really something. |
Michelle: |
We love you, Daddy. |
Harry: |
And I love you. |
Susan: |
OK. Now, tell us about your talk with Mr. York. Did you take the job? |
Harry: |
Nope. |
Michelle: |
What? |
Susan: |
No? You didn't take it? |
Harry: |
No, I did not take the job. |
Michelle: |
But, Daddy, I thought ... |
Susan: |
Harry, you didn't turn it down because of me ... |
Michelle: |
Or me? |
Harry: |
No, no. I turned it down because of me. |
Susan: |
How's that? |
Harry: |
Well, I began to think about you and about Michelle, and then I asked myself, do I really want to work for the biggest company in the country? |
Susan: |
And? |
Harry: |
And I don't. I went into business for myself because I like being my own boss. I run my own company. I'm a big fish in a little pond. I'm not really sure I want to be a little fish in a big pond. |
Michelle: |
Oh, Daddy, does that mean we don't have to move? |
Harry: |
That's right, sweetheart. |
Susan: |
Are you sure? |
Harry: |
I couldn't be more sure, Susan. |
Susan: |
I'm glad if you are, Harry. |
Harry: |
And besides, how could I live in Los Angeles when all my favorite people live here? |
Susan: |
Your favorite people? |
Michelle: |
Who's that? |
Harry: |
The Stewart family, of course. |