This morning, Ellen asked me to keep my shower short (scheduling issues).
My response was that since I was the man, and thus the King, of the house, I could do whatever I wanted. In over thirty years of marriage, I am not sure I have ever experienced such out-loud laughter from Ellen, a reaction I am not convinced was entirely deserved.
Of course, over the last weekend during my visit with my older daughter, Miriam, in New York City, we saw the current Pippin revival (I highly recommend it) and I guess there are lessons there about being the king or wanting to be. As Pippin says when asked (in the original but not in this version) about how he feels at the end. “Trapped, ” he responds, “but happy”.
Perhaps I shouldn’t mention that this afternoon Ellen and I, at my request, will go to see The Fault in Our Stars at which I expect to cry. A sensitive King.
I kept the shower short.