Passages Eight: The Future’s So Bright I’ve Got to Wear Shades

“You’re only in your first year of college, Adam. Are you sure you don’t want to take more time before you make a decision. After all, this is your whole future you’re talking about.”

“I’m sure, Uncle Ken.” Adam said solemnly, sitting forward in the chair. “I want to be a veterinarian. It’s all I ever wanted to be. OK, except for when I wanted to be a race car driver and a astronaut and a policeman.” He smiled shyly at the two men sitting on the couch.

“It will be a lot of hard work, kemo sabe, ” Starsky cautioned. “More than you may have planned on. Four years of college, then medical school…”

“You don’t think I can do it?”

“That’s not what I meant…”

Hutch sat forward, placing his hand on Adam’s knee. “Adam, Starsky and I both know that you can do anything you set your mind to, and this won’t be any different. We just want to make sure you understand the complete picture.”

“I’ve researched this, Uncle Ken. I even talked to the counselors at school. I know what this will take and I’m willing to give it my all. I know it won’t be easy but hey, it will be well worth the reward. Think of all those animals I’ll be able to help…animals like Spike…”

There was silence for a moment as they all remembered the beloved pet that had quietly died in his sleep late the previous year.

“He was a good dog.” Hutch said quietly.

“He growled at you all the time.” Starsky reminded him.

“Yeah…”

“He chewed all your sneakers.”

“Yeah…”

“He pissed on your sandwich…”

“Yeah…but he saved the kids.”

“Yeah.” Starsky agreed. Looking back at Adam, he smiled at the young man seated before him. “Adam, if this is what you want, your Uncle and I are behind you one hundred percent.”

Adam nodded as all three men stood. “And don’t worry about the money, Uncle Ken. I know I can qualify for some scholarships and I’ll get a job…”

“No,” Hutch replied. “You concentrate on your classes. There’s money enough.”

The moment was interrupted as the front door opened and slammed, Hannah rushing into the den.

“I’ve met him, Uncle Ken,” she said dreamily as she twirled around the room. “I’ve met him, Starsky.”

“Met who, pumpkin?” Hutch asked as he tried to follow her movements

Hannh rushed over, kissing each of them on the cheek.

“I’ve met the man I’m going to marry!”