[ In Robbie Stewart's room one evening. Robbie is working at his computer. He hears a knock at the door. ]
Robbie: Who is it?
Philip: Dad.
Robbie: Come on in, Dad.
Philip: I thought you might be hungry. I brought you a chicken sandwich and a glass of milk.
Robbie: I am hungry. Thanks, Dad. What time is it, anyway?
Philip: [ He looks at his watch. ] Ten o'clock. What are you working on?
Robbie: I'm writing a story for the high school paper.
Philip: Can't you finish it tomorrow?
Robbie: No, I have to turn it in in the morning.
Philip: What's it about?
Robbie: I'm writing an article on the feelings about graduation.
Philip: And ... how do you feel?
Robbie: Me? A little scared. And excited, too.
Philip: I felt the same way.
Robbie: The scary part's leaving home and moving to college.
Philip: Oh, leaving home is part of growing up. Well, don't work all night.
Robbie: I don't mind. I enjoy writing.
Philip: Well, maybe you should think about becoming a writer.
Robbie: Maybe I should.
Philip: You have lots of time to decide.
Robbie: That's the worst part-- making decisions.
Philip: You'll be OK. Good night, Son.
Robbie: Good night, Dad.
[ The next morning. Robbie is eating breakfast in the kitchen. Grandpa and Philip enter. They are singing the University of Michigan song. ]
Grandpa & Philip: "Hail to the victors valiant, Hail to the conquering heroes, Hail, Hail to Michigan, The champions of the West!"
Philip: Ah, good morning, Robbie.
Robbie: Good morning, Dad.
Grandpa: How's my grandson?
Robbie: Fine, Grandpa. Fine! What's all the cheering about? Did the University of Michigan win another football game?
Grandpa: Better than that. Tell him, Philip.
Philip: I just spoke with Charley Rafer.
Robbie: Who's Charley Rafer?
Philip: He's the Dean of Admissions for the University of Michigan.
Grandpa: And it turns out he's a classmate of Philip's.
Philip: We were both on the tennis team.
Robbie: Great!
Philip: It is great. He's going to be in New York tomorrow to interview applicants for admission.
Grandpa: And he's agreed to fit you into his schedule.
Robbie: But I may not want to go to Michigan.
Philip: It's one of the best schools in the country, Robbie. I studied medicine there. Your grandfather went to the Engineering School there.
Robbie: I know that, but ...
Grandpa: You said you wanted to be a doctor like your father.
Robbie: Not exactly.
Grandpa: You couldn't pick a finer medical school than Michigan.
Robbie: Yes, I know that.
Philip: Let's meet with Charley at the university club. Ten o'clock tomorrow morning. It doesn't mean you're going to Michigan.
Grandpa: It doesn't mean you have to be a doctor. But the interview will be good experience for you.
Robbie: In that case, it's OK.
Robbie: [ To Philip ] Dad, growing up means making my own decisions, doesn't it?
Philip: You're right, Robbie. But, like your Grandpa suggested, have the interview.
Grandpa: And then make your own decision.
Robbie: That sounds fine.
Philip: I know it's sudden, Robbie, but this is an important opportunity. We'll head down there first thing tomorrow morning. OK?
Robbie: Sure, Dad.
Philip: I want you to know something, Son. I'm ... very proud of you.
Robbie: Thanks, Dad.
Philip: Well, I've got an appointment at the hospital. I'll see you all at dinnertime.
Robbie: Bye, Dad.
[ Philip leaves. ]
Grandpa: Is something still wrong, Robbie?
Robbie: I'll be OK.
Grandpa: Going away to college for the first time always makes one a little nervous.
Robbie: I guess so. I'll be OK. I just need time to think.