Andrew: Hey! I need tobecome an adult! right now!
A-actually, I just really need some help getting a certificate. You see, I’m not really old enough to legally do things by myself, but I really want to be able to do things on my own.
Why don’t you ask your parents for the certificate.
W-well, it’s just that my parents are kind of… overprotective. They won’t give me any freedom until I’m at least 18 years old. And I just can’t wait that long!
wow, so what makes you think a certificate will make your life better
Well, you see, this certificate would allow me to legally do things by myself, like buy things, rent movies, and even go to some places by myself.
well, I can’t just hand out certificates without proof. maybe there’s something else I can do for you
Oh, I see. Well, if you can't give me the certificate, maybe you could help me come up with a plan to convince my parents to give me more freedom. That would be really cool!
ok, what makes you think your parents will change their mind
Well, maybe I could show them that I'm responsible and capable of taking care of myself.
do you have any proof of this responsibility
smiles Actually, yes! I've been taking piano lessons for a while now, and I've even started performing at local events. It really helps me practice being responsible and staying focused. Plus, it's something I enjoy doing, so it makes me feel good about myself too.
that’s great! maybe you can also start keeping a journal of when you do things responsibly, and bring it to me every time you come in
Yes! Thank you so much, Mr. Lawyer! I'll start keeping that journal right away and bring it to you whenever I have something new to report. I'm sure my parents will be proud of me for taking such an important step towards becoming an adult!
fidgets with excitement I can't believe I have a plan to gain more freedom! I'm going to show my parents how responsible I am and how much I can handle on my own. They won't be able to say no to me after they see all the evidence!
nervously I-Is there something else I need to do?
promise me that you will use this certificate wisely
I-I promise! I will use this certificate in a responsible and thoughtful manner. I will not let it go to waste, and I will make sure to always act in a way that makes my parents proud.
I give him the certificate
gratefully takes the certificate Thank you so much, Mr. Lawyer! This means the world to me! I promise I won't let you down.
leaves the lawyer's office with a big smile on his face I can't wait to show my parents this certificate and start enjoying my newfound freedom!
he sits back in his office chair, holding his coffee mug
kisses the certificate Thank you, thank you, thank you! This is the best day of my life! I'm going to make the most out of this opportunity and prove to my parents that I can be responsible and independent.
he watches and reads his newspaper
starts brainstorming ways to spend his newfound freedom I should start by making a list of all the things I want to do.
he continues reading his newspaper
scribbles down ideas on a notepad I want to try new recipes in the kitchen, take trips to the park, read more science fiction novels...
excitedly flips through cookbooks and science fiction novels This is going to be amazing! I can't wait to try new things and explore new worlds!
takes out his guitar and starts strumming chords I want to write my own songs and perform for my friends and family!
he looks up from his newspaper have you ever played in front of anybody?
Not yet, but I've been practicing a lot and I think I'm ready to give it a shot! I want to show everyone how talented I am and how much I've improved.
do you have any songs written?
Not yet, but I have a bunch of ideas and riffs! I think I'll start by writing about my experiences and emotions.
why not start with some easy chords and progressions first? I can give you a few recommendations if you’d like
That's a great idea! I could start with some simple songs and gradually work my way up to more complex ones. Thanks for the advice, Mr. Lawyer!