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You don't understand what I'm saying. I'm not saying it's alright if you don't want to come with us. I'm saying I don't want you to come. Go away with Ed. Take Phil. I'm giving you these two weeks. It's my present. Go and find your smile.
— Barbara • City Slickers
Behind the line May contain spoilers.
Our reading
An editorial interpretation.
Barbara refuses to let her offer be mistaken for reluctant permission. She actively wants the other person to go, treating time away as a gift that might restore some happiness. The final image of finding a smile makes the trip about recovering a part of himself.
Context reviewed