🏫♣️4️⃣🧞‍♀️❓

"Hey Dad? Is there some way a person could enjoy a pool after having an injury of some kind?"

"You know Forest, some children would tell their parents about their first day of high school when they get home. Or, and I know this may sound controversial, at least ask about someone else's day to be polite before dropping a big question on their plate."

I'm surprised I didn't slip on all of the snark and sarcasm dripping off my Dad's voice but I knew it was in good fun. I always figured his wry sense of humor was how he coped with the hard work of being a doctor. 

"Alright Dad, how was your day?"

"You know the worst part about treating tonsilitis?"

"No, Dad... What's the worst part about treating tonsilitis?" I replied, bracing for impact.

"Tonsils are terrible on dates, they don't even dress up when you take them out!"

I'm pretty sure my agonized groan was loud enough that a seismologist picked it up as a low level earthquake several miles away.

"Oh come on, it's not that bad!"

"Dad, I'm not even sure these jokes would work on your patients if you were a pediatric doctor."

"Alright fine, well if you could help me set the table instead of critiquing my standup set I could figure out why you're asking me about aquatic activities."

I walked over to a cabinet to grab plates. "Well I haven't joined a club yet right? I made a friend on my first day who likes to swim but got hurt recently so they can't join the swim team. I figured maybe I could try to solve both problems at once."

"Well then, are you free on Sunday?"

"I uh, wait what?"

"Well Sunday is a stronger day than Monday after all. Hot pan behind you."

I stood even more baffled as he carried a wok full lof stir fry behind me towards the table, knowing I would regret the words about to come of my mouth.

"How is Sunday stronger than Monday?"

"Monday is a weak day after all! But in all seriousness, that's a school day so I couldn't also take you to the water calesthenics class at the hospital for you to check it out."

I rolled my eyes and gathered silverware, the urge to collapse from the sheer weight of bad Dad jokes not quite enough to stop me from wanting to help Genie have a fun club to be a part of.

"Wait, what exactly is that?"

"Well if you and your new friend can be there at ten in the morning Sunday with swimsuits to wear, you'll find out. Classes haven't had enough people showing up lately and they want to cut the free program because of it. You'd be helping out in a big way."

"Sunday at ten?" I was already pulling out my cell phone, ready to tell Genie the good news."

"Forest, no phones at the table."

"Dad, this is the only way Genie can communicate!"

"While I'm not sure I believe that off hand, there's only one way you can pay for special privileges and I'll only let you send one text."

This would by far be the greatest sacrifice I have ever made for a friend in my entire life, I was absolutely sure of it. "Fine..."

"Why did the matress go to the doctor?"

I was already texting Genie. Hey, are you free on Sunday? I might have a club idea if you have a swim suit.

"Because it had spring fever!"

"Dad, please never leave your day job."

We both laughed, the table set and the two of us ready to settle in for a meal. I had only just managed to see Genie's response of 🩱🛒🔛✡️😴❓ and only understanding half of it when my Dad had to set in with another question.

"So, this new friend is a girl huh?"

I sighed. This was going to be a long and pun filled dinner.