any work done on your dissertation?”
“I am. As a matter fact, that’s why I’m calling. You said you’d come out once I figured out which topic I was going to do my dissertation on. I just made the decision a few minutes ago.”
“Really? That fast? I was thinking it would take a couple of days.”
“Well, I was going to go through a detailed analysis, but I’ve been leaning toward one all along.” He explained to her what he did with the email survey of his students, and the results. “That really firmed it up for me.”
“Well, I’m glad. You’re going to be spending a lot of time on whichever one you picked, so I’m glad you’re sure about it.”
“I am. So…does that mean you can come out tonight? I can fix you a nice dinner. Then we can take a walk, maybe a sunset canoe ride.”
“Jack, that sounds nice. But…”
“But what?”
“It doesn’t sound like your mind’s too much on this dissertation. That’s the main reason you’re on this retreat.”
“My mind is on the dissertation. It’s just not the only thing. I mean, look, I’ve already picked out the topic. That’s huge. Some people take weeks on something like that. I’m just decisive. When I know what I want, I go for it.”
“Okay, I guess I can come out there. I just don’t want to be a distraction. You getting that dissertation done is a big thing for our future. I know the regents at the school love what you’re doing, and this past year your classes have all been full. But having that doctorate is part of the deal, right?”
“Yes, you could say that.” Wait, he thought. Did she just say our future ? She did, didn’t she? Jack had definite plans about popping the question to Rachel, but he wasn’t quite there yet. He had been dropping hints here and there about his intentions. So far, she hadn’t said anything negative when he did. But this was the first time he’d heard her say something like this. Should he say something? Should he point it out?
“Jack?”
“What?”
“Sounded like you had something more to say.”
“No. I’m just wanting to see you, Rach. That’s all. I didn’t rush this decision just for that. Dresden really is the topic I want to work on. And I know how important this dissertation is. This retreat is all about getting that outline done and turned in, not just to the regents but to my publisher. That’s my goal before my time out here is through. I won’t let anything get in the way of that, I promise.”
14
Jack had spent the last four hours reacquainting himself with the research materials he’d gathered over the years on the Dresden bombing. He already knew more about Dresden than the average WWII buff, even more than the average military history major, but nowhere near enough to create a detailed outline for a doctoral dissertation.
More than that, Jack had to catch himself up on all of the new things about Dresden that had come to light since he had last studied it in college. There were new books to read, new websites to explore. And some serious controversies to examine. One side claimed the Dresden bombing was totally immoral, actually referred to it as a war crime by the Allies. The other side presented evidence that Dresden was a justifiable military target. Jack would have to get his mind around all of this and navigate around these delicate matters as he sought to make his own mark and offer his own contribution to the historical discussion.
But right now? Right now he needed a break. His brain needed rest, and his body needed some exercise.
He got up from the dinette table and headed outside. When he woke up this morning, knowing at some point he’d do a workout, he’d dressed appropriately. Now seemed like a good time. He walked around the cabin once, mainly to make sure he really did have the whole area to himself. His eyes scanned the woods and perimeter of the lake again. Jack was a little self-conscious about doing his Muay Thai routines out in the open
“I am. As a matter fact, that’s why I’m calling. You said you’d come out once I figured out which topic I was going to do my dissertation on. I just made the decision a few minutes ago.”
“Really? That fast? I was thinking it would take a couple of days.”
“Well, I was going to go through a detailed analysis, but I’ve been leaning toward one all along.” He explained to her what he did with the email survey of his students, and the results. “That really firmed it up for me.”
“Well, I’m glad. You’re going to be spending a lot of time on whichever one you picked, so I’m glad you’re sure about it.”
“I am. So…does that mean you can come out tonight? I can fix you a nice dinner. Then we can take a walk, maybe a sunset canoe ride.”
“Jack, that sounds nice. But…”
“But what?”
“It doesn’t sound like your mind’s too much on this dissertation. That’s the main reason you’re on this retreat.”
“My mind is on the dissertation. It’s just not the only thing. I mean, look, I’ve already picked out the topic. That’s huge. Some people take weeks on something like that. I’m just decisive. When I know what I want, I go for it.”
“Okay, I guess I can come out there. I just don’t want to be a distraction. You getting that dissertation done is a big thing for our future. I know the regents at the school love what you’re doing, and this past year your classes have all been full. But having that doctorate is part of the deal, right?”
“Yes, you could say that.” Wait, he thought. Did she just say our future ? She did, didn’t she? Jack had definite plans about popping the question to Rachel, but he wasn’t quite there yet. He had been dropping hints here and there about his intentions. So far, she hadn’t said anything negative when he did. But this was the first time he’d heard her say something like this. Should he say something? Should he point it out?
“Jack?”
“What?”
“Sounded like you had something more to say.”
“No. I’m just wanting to see you, Rach. That’s all. I didn’t rush this decision just for that. Dresden really is the topic I want to work on. And I know how important this dissertation is. This retreat is all about getting that outline done and turned in, not just to the regents but to my publisher. That’s my goal before my time out here is through. I won’t let anything get in the way of that, I promise.”
14
Jack had spent the last four hours reacquainting himself with the research materials he’d gathered over the years on the Dresden bombing. He already knew more about Dresden than the average WWII buff, even more than the average military history major, but nowhere near enough to create a detailed outline for a doctoral dissertation.
More than that, Jack had to catch himself up on all of the new things about Dresden that had come to light since he had last studied it in college. There were new books to read, new websites to explore. And some serious controversies to examine. One side claimed the Dresden bombing was totally immoral, actually referred to it as a war crime by the Allies. The other side presented evidence that Dresden was a justifiable military target. Jack would have to get his mind around all of this and navigate around these delicate matters as he sought to make his own mark and offer his own contribution to the historical discussion.
But right now? Right now he needed a break. His brain needed rest, and his body needed some exercise.
He got up from the dinette table and headed outside. When he woke up this morning, knowing at some point he’d do a workout, he’d dressed appropriately. Now seemed like a good time. He walked around the cabin once, mainly to make sure he really did have the whole area to himself. His eyes scanned the woods and perimeter of the lake again. Jack was a little self-conscious about doing his Muay Thai routines out in the open
Similar Books
