The other day I was driving the minion to  karate camp.  Normally we spend the morning talking about Ninjago or Star Wars.  Not on this day. On this day, he spotted a bright yellow sign in front of one of the senior living centers in the neighborhood.

“Look, look, look. They need help. Dad, can I work there.” The minion bounced in his seat with excitement as he pointed out the window

It took me a second to spot the sign.  “You might be a little young for that. Maybe when you are older.”

Without hesitation he said, “Alright.” After a short pause he asked, “Dad, what’s a manor?”

The manor was part of the center’s name.  I love how the minion didn’t worry about the type of job, he just wanted to help.  I explained to him that in this case the manor was a place for older people to live where they don’t have to be alone. They have friends there that they can talk to and people that can help them if they have any problems.

He was quiet for about 20 seconds. Then he asked, “Are you going to live there?”  He paused just long enough to be noticeable and added “When you are older?”

That was a relief. He didn’t think I was ready to move in right away, although he probably still thought it would be sooner than I would have liked.

“I don’t know,” I answered. “I thought I would just move in with you.”

“Nah.” He shook his head.  “I want you to live there. Then I can take care of you when I go to work.”

Apparently he already aced the interview and was hired.

I smiled in the mirror at him. “Are you sure you don’t want me to live with you?”

“Nope. You should go there.”

I could tell by the tone of his voice that he thought that would be for the best, and I was in danger of losing this round. He’d probably start packing my bags once he got home.

Fortunately I had an ace card I could still play.

“Have you thought about who has all the cool games you like to play?”

It got very quiet in the back seat. At the next stop sign, I turned to see what he was doing.

“Dad,” he said.

“Yes?” I answered.

“You can live with me.”

Victory was mine. Video games: 1. Senior, retirement center: 0