Finally, Dad added, “We’d like to be better.” “If you’ll give us the chance, we’d like to comprehend what you’re doing and properly support it.”
Mom said, “We’re proud of you,” and her voice faltered a little. “We’re proud of you now, but we should have been all along. Sarah, Harvard Medical School. Our daughter will be attending Harvard Medical School.
Dad remarked, “That sounds wonderful,” but I could tell he was still processing the news that Harvard Medical School had personally recruited his unsuccessful daughter.
I went on, “The job pays forty-eight thousand dollars for three months.” plus bonuses for research publications. Before I depart for Boston, Dr. Hendricks anticipates that two additional papers will be accepted.
For a summer research post, forty-eight thousand dollars. That was more than Marcus had earned during his first year of law school, when he wasn’t living at the pool home but was actually practicing law.
“Forty-eight thousand,” Emma said once more. “For three months?”
I stated, “Research scientists are well compensated, especially when their work has commercial applications.” Three pharmaceutical companies have already expressed interest in the protein folding study.
I could see my family reevaluating what they believed to be true about my professional possibilities. This went beyond academic success. This was real-world financial achievement, the type they recognized and valued.
“I think I owe you a really big apology, Sarah,” Marcus stated softly. Like a heartfelt apology.
“Everyone does,” Mom firmly stated. “We’ll start with dinner this evening. a formal celebratory supper, anywhere you choose.
“And dessert,” Emma continued. Excellent dessert. similar to pricey dessert.
I felt hope, something I hadn’t felt in years, as I gazed upon my imperfect, contemptuous, and sometimes unachievable family. For better, not for perfection. For the chance that they could come to see me for who I really was instead of how they thought I ought to be.
I said, “I’d like that.” But is it possible for us to go somewhere without a kids’ menu? I will be attending Harvard Medical School at the age of twenty-two. I believe I’ve earned the privilege of dining on cloth napkins.
Dad chuckled. I actually chuckled. Not the courteous laugh he normally gave me when I tried to be funny.
