Table (supposedly) for Two

Clement thought on this for a few moments, letting his drink warm his hands until the heat was too much. He set the cup down and replied, "In my case, I definitely chose work that makes me feel fulfilled. But one cannot discount that one has to eat and keep a roof over one's head."

Clement could tell that Claudia was definitely indecisive, as so many young people were. He remembered those days. But how much worse it must be now, with so many choices of life paths. Too many choices could be paralyzing, as he had learned over the centuries.
"The thing about life is, it is about balance. You'll only regret your life if you base you happiness on what others think you should do with it."

"Oh, I became a teacher because I love learning. But more than that I love sharing what I've learned with others. There's no better profession for me," Clement hummed happily and sipped his tea. It was true. His love of knowledge was the thing that led him to become a lich in the first place. But even as violent and unpleasant as that experience had been, it hadn't quelled his thirst to know more.

"But segueing back. I think a flower shop would be lovely. But I also see your point, with the anecdote about artists. It's a difficult area to break into, especially when so much of it is subjective. You might think a painting of yours is the most beautiful thing you've ever made. But that doesn't matter if the people who might purchase it don't agree."

Clement reached out his hand across the table and grasped the back of one of Claudia's. He gave her a warm, sincere smile and a single nod. "You seem like a bright, dedicated girl though. I'm sure that you'll do just fine in whatever you decide upon."