The White Shark's Tooth

Perhaps it was a dream, she thought. Perhaps if she pinched herself, she would wake up. But she didn’t want to wake up. She wanted to stay in this dream world where her grandfather was still alive and she still had a job. It wasn’t her original job, editing at a magazine, but she had a job and her parents weren’t nagging about not working and “reading her days away.” But it couldn’t be real; it had to be a dream.

“What are you thinking about, Little Bit?” her grandfather interrupted her musings. Looking away from the ocean, she smiled.

“Everything is different.”

“How so?”

She hesitated and went on. “Well, Kelsey isn’t using ASL anymore and is verbal. And I am working at a completely different job and…” she fell silent thinking, you’re alive, but knowing she couldn’t say that or it would just be a dream.

“Is that so bad? She wanted to communicate more with her friends that aren’t deaf. It is what she is wanting as she wants to have a job in fashion and that would require her speaking more.”

“But what was wrong with her before? I just think that she is losing some of her identity by choosing to be only verbal. I guess,” she kicked at the sand, “I don’t get why she wants to change and conform.”

“Which is why when you left your editing job, you went into teaching. So, teach your students that differences don’t matter and shouldn’t be a focus or item of ridicule when they meet someone different from themselves.”

She laughed. “Sure, Papa. Because high school literature and creative writing classes really focus on changing opinions about those who are different.”

He winked. “Think of all the stories, Anna. You definitely could focus on authors who had personal struggles with being different and triumphed to become great writers. I know your sister wants to be a spokesperson that Deaf can be in the fashion world and be a role model for younger girls.” He stopped suddenly and sat down. Anna looked at her, scared that he was ill again.

“Are you okay, Papa? When’s the last time you’ve been to the doctor?” He waved her off.

“Stop worrying, Little Bit. I’m fine. Just lost my breath.” He took a couple of deep breaths and stood up. “Let’s take that walk. First one to find a shark’s tooth picks the ice cream.” They walked for several minutes in silence. “I’m glad that you took a different job, Anna. Editing didn’t seem to make you happy. It didn’t fit.”

“What didn’t fit? Reading all day? I loved that part, Papa.”

“You were stressed all the time, always busy with deadlines, and never seemed to have a moment to relax and search for sharks’ teeth with me.” Anna nodded in agreement, laughing.

“It is a different stress but I do like teaching – even though literature can be hard for the students’ to get excited about. My creative writing classes are going well. I’m having the students write a daily blog and submit a short story once a week to our school website.” She thought for a moment. “I am happy. You’re right. This is a better job for me.” She glanced down and smiled. “Look! I found the first shark’s tooth today. I get to pick the ice cream flavor of mint chip.” She reached down to pick it up and exclaimed, “and it’s white! That should count for double.” Feeling a shift, she looked up and noticed that her grandfather wasn’t by her.

“No, no, no! Papa?!” She called out. And felt the tears. “It was a dream. Oh Papa.” She looked down at the white shark’s tooth and noticed a letter on the ground. Picking it up, she saw that it was dated to Little Bit with today’s date. She sat and opened the letter.

My Little Bit, it started.

I know how you are about changes. But, as I’ve often wanted to talk to you about on our beach walks, I think you are meant to teach. After all, that is what you went to school for and just sidetracked into editing. You talked about wanting to go back and teach so that you could help open young minds to the possibilities of the written word and offer them an escape from reality. So, I’m enclosing an application at the local high school. I saw that they needed a new literature and creative writing teacher. I think you need a change. You can do so much, Little Bit. Go take a walk to the pier and find a shark’s tooth or two for me. Know that I will always be here for you. I love you, Little Bit.

Papa.

She hugged the letter to her chest and smiled. “Alright, Papa. I’ll apply. I even have the perfect idea for a prompt for writing class: ‘If you received a letter to make a change in your life, what would it say and who would write it to you?’

Standing up, she looked at the white shark’s tooth. “I think I will get ice cream today too – mint chip and strawberry cheesecake, for Papa.” And continued walking towards the pier.