“She’s half my age, and I can listen to Yo-Yo Ma’s ‘A Beginner’s Mind’ podcast again if I want to get to know a cellist”

Taken For Granted, EP. 4: “Don’t overinvest in your old ideas.” — Daniel Kahneman

“You’re gonna love this, Eva,” Miriam said, her arms nearly swinging into Eva’s face. “Remember I told you about the frum musician in Baltimore? She called me. Her friend, also a musician but not frum, has a daughter who became frum in college and plays the cello. She’s transferring to UIC for a degree in music business, ’cuz you can’t really do the frum classical music thing. So she called me and asked me if I can keep an eye out for her.”

Eva nodded and concentrated on the abstract triangle sculpture on her left. It was gorgeous today, clear and crisp. She loved her daily walks on the McCormick Trail but wished Miriam would stop talking.

“Nice,” she added so Miriam knew she was listening.

“You played the cello as a kid, right?”

Why was she asking, Eva wondered, she knows this. “Yes.”

“You should take lessons again.”

“If I wanted to take up the cello again, don’t you think I would have done it?”

“True, you’re that type.”

“Does she need money?” Eva got to the point.

“Don’t think so. Pocket money, maybe, but I think she has a scholarship.”

“So what’s with the lessons?”

“Companionship. She needs people. It’s a new college, new community. And she’s a classically trained musician, I thought you’d like to get to know her.”

“She’s half my age, and I can listen to Yo-Yo Ma’s ‘A Beginner’s Mind’ podcast again if I want to get to know a cellist.”

“You can have her for a Shabbos meal.”

“If I say yes, can we walk and not talk?”