Should I choose a noble occupation
Song title: My Alcoholic Friends by The Dresden Dolls
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"Don't bother talking to us until this silly dream of being a writer is over!"
Todd stared at his wall, the phone still held to his ear as he listened to the beep, indicating the call had ended. He knew he shouldn't be upset, that he shouldn't care what they think about his career choices. Besides, he had two main goals, become a poetry author, and become an English literature teacher.
In his eyes, his dreams were achievable, and his grades in his teaching and English literature classes certainly reflected his passions. But his family didn't see that.
They never saw his he poured his heart, soul, and fears into poetry.
His parents rarely called. But their call this time was on Jeffery's behalf. He had asked to speak to his little brother, and Todd's parents loved to see their oldest son happy, so they obliged. Only for it to end in disaster when Todd told them he had an opportunity for his poetry to be published in local newspapers and magazines, which could lead to better publishing opportunities.
Todd knew his family wouldn't understand his excitement. But he tried explaining it anyway. He knew Jeffery had been happy to listen, hearing the content hums and noting when he asked what papers the poetry would be published in. But his parents didn't care.
Todd was so absorbed in his thoughts that he doesn't know when they started to change. Wondering if he would be better off changing his career. Maybe becoming a pharmacist or doctor like his parents thought he would be good at. He considered dropping out of classes, changing his major to something that would appease his family.
Soon, he jumped, feeling a hand on his shoulder. Todd blinked, looking at the owner of the mysterious hand, only to find Charlie, who was looking again his with concern.
"Todd, you okay? I've been trying to talk to you for a good five minutes and you weren't answering. What's wrong?" He asked, his voice filled with worry for his friend.
Todd shook his head. "Nothing, don't worry about it. Just a bad phone call with my parents." He mumbled, looking at his hands as he fidgeted.
Charlie listened, slowly taking Todd's phone and putting it on his bed before leading Todd out of his room.
"Ah. Well, I know my input isn't always great, or the same opinion as yours. But you need a distraction. Because your parents are incredibly wrong about whatever they said, we both know that. Now, let's go find Neil. He finishes drama class in 10 minutes. If we hurry we can grab donuts on the way." Charlie grinned, putting shoes on and grabbing his keys.
Todd listened, nodding as he copied Charlie in putting shoes on. He looked around, grabbing his headphones before heading out the door Charlie held open for him. He wanted nothing more than to have a hug of Neil, and he knew his boyfriend enjoyed being picked up from class every now and again.
"Okay. I'm ready." Todd said, looking at Charlie, before beginning to walk down the hall.
He knew he'd have doubts about what he wanted to do for a long time after the conversation with his parents. But he didn't care. He knew what he wanted to do, so he was going to stick with it. Not matter how uncertain he may be.
He knew everything would be okay.