1 AM

the situation is that it is 1 AM and a brother calls his sister, drunkenly, to discuss the plans to meet at their mothers house tomorrow. The sister has recently moved in with the father, and she is staying the night with her friend (Hayley) at the father's girlfriend's (Ruby's) house.

Sister: Hello?

Brother: Oh, hey!

Sister: hey, man. What's up?

Brother: Nothing. I'm drunk. I'm really surprised you're up! What are you doing?

Sister: Not a lot, just sitting here. I'm at Ruby's.

Brother: What!?

Sister: Yeah.

Brother: Oh, you're with dad.

Sister: Yeah.

Brother: Well are you guys hangin' out? or like, are you in a bed?

Sister: I'm in a bed.

Brother: Are you alone?

Sister: Well, Hayley's asleep beside me, so, no, kind of.

Brother: Well, are you busy? Do you need to go or something?

Sister: What? No, dude, it's one o'clock in the morning. I'm not busy.

Brother: Oh, okay, that's right. Sorry. I'm drunk.

Sister: I know. So what's the deal with tomorrow?

Brother: That's what I was calling to inquire about.

Sister: Well what's best for you?

Brother: Well, I'm probably going to be a wee bit hung over. So, I mean, I would prefer dinner honestly.

Sister: Oh. I actually have to be at the airport at like 6 AM, so, the earlier the better, for me.

Brother: Oh. So, like, what if I got there at like 5?

Sister: Maybe a little earlier would be better?

Brother: Man! I am thrilled you're up! You're usually asleep and I leave you a drunken voice message.

Sister: Haha, yeah, man, I know.

Brother: And you never listen to it. For months. You're such a bitch about your voice mail. Like, a month later you'll be like, "oh, haha, William!" and I'll be like, "What?"

Sister: Haha, yeah, pretty much.

Brother: Okay, I will plan on getting there between 3 and 4. How's that? Wait. What are your plans? What are you planning on doing?

Sister: What do you mean?

Brother: When are you going to leave?

Sister: I guess between 7 and 8 if you're going to get there between 3 and 4.

Brother: Okay. Well, look, like, I'm not trying to tell you what to do. But... I mean, you do what you have to, and I understand if you have to get sleep. But how about between like 7 and 8?

Sister: What? Yeah, man, that's what I just said.

Brother: Oh. Sorry! I'm probably not going to remember this in the morning! Why don't you just call me when you get up?

Sister: Okay.

Brother: You can just leave after we watch a movie.

Sister: Okay.

Brother: I love you. I love you, Marshall. Have a good night! I love you.

Sister: I love you too, man.

Brother: Okay, I love you.

Sister: Okay.

Brother: okay. I love you. Okay.

Sister: Okay... bye.

Brother: I love you. Okay, bye.

Mom and I

This happened essentially word for word at dinner tonight. The situation is that differences can be difficult.

Mother: Let’s hold hands and say the blessing. Our father, we want to thank you for this meal that is in front of us, and for this beautiful day, and the sunshine, and our warm beds to sleep in tonight. Help us remember that every day is a blessing, and that we should live joyously and happily the way you intended us to. Help us to remember to steer clear of being offensive, and to not easily take offense, but be patient and caring as your son, Jesus Christ, taught us to be. Bless this food to our bodies, and our bodies to your good will and service. Amen.

Daughter: Mm.

Mother: William’s a good little cook, huh? We should get him over here more often!

Daughter: He likes using the grill.

Mother: Diana Raggett’s getting married next weekend.

Daughter: What? To who?

Mother: Andrew? They met at your school.

Daughter: Oh my god.

Mother: They’re a good match. Diana is sweet. I was thinking the three of us should send her something.

Daughter: I don’t really know them.

Mother: By His Grace is sending 50 dollars.

Daughter: Well, just say, “By His Grace and Family.”

Mother: 50 dollars isn’t really very much.

Daughter: Tell them it’s from all God’s children.

Mother: 50 dollars isn’t very much for all God’s children.

Daughter: Really, though, we are sending God’s love, which is infinite and extraordinary.

Mother: That’s right.

Dad, Ruby, Peter the Swiss manager of an Italian restaurant, myself

The situation is that my father, his girlfriend, and I ate at a very nice Italian restaurant. Our reservations were at 7:30, which, in true Fletcher style, turned into 9:00. Nashville is a city that sleeps, but Peter was an interesting character with white hair and a white beard and a nice sense of humor, and wisdom, and truth.

Dad: What's your name, sir?

Peter: Peter.

Dad: We're your last customers, Peter. Sit down! Have a drink!

Peter: Oh, no, no. I don't even drink. I just own the restaurant.

Dad: Where are you from?

Peter: Switzerland.

Ruby: I knew it! I guessed German by your accent. Sorry.

Peter: German!? Oh, no.

Dad: What part?

Peter: The German part.

Me: How did you end up here?

Peter: I'll give you one guess.

Ruby: Love.

Dad: A woman.

Peter: Exactly.

Ruby and I: Awww.

Peter: Yes, well.

Ruby: Are you married to her?

Peter: No.

Dad: Ah.

Peter: We met on a cruise ship... You see, I had to learn the difference between love and lust. I thought I wanted to be with her twenty five hours a day.

Ruby: mhmm.

Peter: But now, I am married, I have children, but I believe that life takes twists and turns.... can I offer you anything else?

Dad: We'd love to see a dessert menu.

Peter: Of course, right away.