C. Read the text and do all the assignments to it in writing.
Visit to My Grandparents
Every visit to my grandparents begins the same way. We've created a script over the years. The first scene is the granddaughter's arrival:
"Hi, Grandma! Hi, Grandpap!" I say.
"Hey there, little girl!" says Grandpap.
"Hello, Priscilla!" says Grandma.
Even though I've been taller than my grandmother since the eighth grade, my grandfather still sees me as a little girl. There was a time when being seen as an adult by everyone was very important, but after a while I learned that grandfathers have the right to show their affection to their grandchildren as they see it. Moreover, it's nice to have people care for you. I feel no need to prove my age to my grandfather, so even now as a college student I'm still his "little girl.†“I also happen to be "Priscilla" to my grandmother. While this nickname has no connection to my real name, Mallory, I've grown accustomed to being "Priscilla" when I stay with my grandparents. In my grandmother's mind, I somehow remind her of Elvis Presley 's young wife, Priscilla. Since most people considered Prisciila to be pretty, I take my grandmother's nickname for me as a compliment. (Besides, I think Elvis was extremely good-looking in his younger years!)
The next scene is the physical examination and medical report:
"Goodness! Are you eating, child? You're so thin!" cries my grandmother worriedly.
"She eats like a bird," my grandfather explains.
I have no idea if birds really eat so little like my grandfather thinks, but he's always compared my diet to that of a bird's. Unless I suddenly gain twenty pounds in the near future, my grandparents will continue to ask me if I eat well every time I visit.
The subsequent scene is the chastisement:
"You should eat more," says my grandfather and he laughs. "Stay here for a month and your grandmother will fatten you up!"
"She's too busy to stay in one place for a week," jokes my grandmother. "Young folks are always on the run. Where they're running to, I don't know."
"Despite what you think, I really do eat well," I try to explain. It doesn't matter. As I'm their only grandchild, they'll continue to worry a lot about my well-being and tell me to visit more often.
When I visit my grandparents, I never eat a large meal before I arrive. Although there is always plenty in the fridge, they love to eat out when I'm visiting. Their favorite restaurant is not far from their house. As soon as I arrive, we usually head off to Peterson's Family Restaurant.
As follows, the fourth scene usually takes place at the neighborhood restaurant. My grandparents let me drive their car there provided that I stay under the speed limit. They ask me to park close to the entrance and in easy view from one of the restaurant's windows in case a thief wants to steal their car, a fire begins in the restaurant or some other unexpected danger arises. "You can never be too careful," they say.
At the table we look at the menus. All three of us order the same thing every time. Nevertheless, we look at the choices and discuss what we've decided.
"What are you having, Arnold?" asks my grandmother.
"I think I'll have the liver and onions, Cecelia." His answer surprises no one.
"I'm going to have fried fish. How about you, Priscilla?" my grandmother asks me.
"I'm going to order a salad and a hamburger."
"But that's not a full meal. Order more," suggests my grandmother with a smile.
"Don't worry. I'll order dessert later."
My grandmother sighs while my grandfather laughs. "Like a bird," he says and winks at me.
The food comes along with the fifth scene, which I like to call the inquisition:
"So, are you seeing anyone?" In spite of her age, this question always makes my grandmother look like a schoolgirl who wants lo gossip.
"No one special," I answer truthfully.
"How can you get married if you don't see anyone, child?" My grandmother hopes that I get married in the near future. She equates marriage with happiness despite the fact that my own parents divorced when I was in elementary school.
"She's still young," my grandfather points out. "Mallory, you wait till you find someone who's good enough for you." I like when my grandfather says this.
There are other scenes that are played out during my stay. Don't misunderstand me. Having this so-called script does not make my visits less genuine. Actually, I enjoy the comfort of the familiarity. I know what to expect and I know what everything means. The arrival scene is about how much we missed each other since the last visit. The medical examination is about how much my grandparents care for me. The chastisement scene is their opportunity to tell me they wish they could see me more often. The trip to Peterson's Family Restaurant is a break from their ordinary routine. It's something fun for us to do together. The inquisition initiated by my grandmother reveals their wishes for my happy future. The most meaningful scene comes at the end of each visit. Not surprisingly, it's the farewell scene. It's played out before I get in my car to drive home.
"Call us if you need anything," says my grandfather.
“I hate to see you go," cries my grandmother.
"I'll be back before you know it," I promise. "Good-bye."
"Don't say 'good-bye,' " my grandfather corrects me. "Say 'so long.' "
"So long, Grandpa."
This farewell expression pleases him more, "So long, little girl."
I drive away and think, "It's great to be loved!"
Questions to discuss:
1. Describe Mallory's relationship with her grandparents. Would you call it a normal relationship? Would you call it a healthy relationship?
2. Mallory says that the most meaningful scene happens at the end of each visit. Do you agree?
3. Do any of the scenes from the story seem familiar to you? Does Mallory's relationship with her grandparents remind you of a relationship you have with someone?
4. Mallory's grandfather thinks there is a difference between "good-bye" and "so long." Do you agree? If so, what is the difference?
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