We were in the eastern
Sierras, driving towards
Mt. Tom. It was about noon, the time when the clouds floating above the peaks decide whether or not they want to devote themselves to becoming
summer thunderstorms. One over the crest had made the decision; the hot air inside the cloud bolted upward, forming a tower against the jet blue sky. The other clouds hung, waiting.
We were quiet... and then my father started talking.
Father: You're going to be exposed to a lot of weird stuff in college.
Me: Yeah?
Father: Yep. There's going to be lots of alcohol. Drinking some is okay but don't overdo it.
Me: Okay, Dad
Father: There's going to be a lot of pot in college too. Don't smoke pot.
Me: Okay, Dad
Father: There's going to be a lot of loose women in college too.
Me: (waiting)
And?
Father: Oh, I just thought you should know about them.