Out of courtesy, T'Pol refrained from "hiding" to read in Charles' room, and was thus sitting on the couch attempting to appear more "approachable."  He was on a fishing trip with his father, and although an invitation to join the men had been extended, she had no desire to spend her day in a series of attempts to procure the largest specimen of catfish available. Additionally, she was sure that the day was for emotional bonding, although she failed to comprehend how catching aquatic creatures furthered a relationship.

Mrs. Tucker was removing invasive plant specimens from her garden, an activity she engaged in frequently. T'Pol had offered to assist with the task, but was assured that "weedin's not bad if ya keep up with it. I won't be out long, an' then we'll go ta Annie's store." This left her with nothing to do, so she took out a padd and resumed her study of The Old Man and the Sea. She had been finished for several minutes and was trying to make sense of the book when Lucy Tucker entered the living room.

"Whatcha reading?" It had been four days since Trip and T'Pol first came, but Lucy still had trouble relating to her daughter-in-law. She never had any idea what to say.

"I am finished with The Old Man and the Sea." Just in time, T'Pol remembered that Hoshi had said such a statement might come across as too blunt and "cold" for most humans to continue the conversation. "Have you read this book?"

"Every freshman at C. E. Blackwell High School had ta read it. Me, I didn't care for it much."

"Towing the carcass was an unwise choice. His efforts were successful, and yet he allowed sentimentality to ruin the success."

"None of it made any sense ta me."

"Even considering human sentimentality, I am unable to make sense of this. He was unable to cut the marlin properly because he respected it too much to desecrate its body, and yet he killed it. Then he allowed sharks to consume the flesh, which is neither respectful to the dead animal nor economically wise."

"I never figured out what the point 'a that book was."

"It has not been helpful in my quest to more fully comprehend humans."

"Don't give it a second thought, dear. That book only makes sense to scholars who spend their whole lives cooped up studyin' books. The rest of us think it's pretty dumb."

"I am gratified to know that the meaning of this book is elusive to others as well."

Lucy pondered for a second that her daughter-in-law had a very formal way of saying thanks. Then she decided to ask an "icebreaker" question. "What's yer favorite human book?"

T'Pol, as usual, considered the question for a moment before answering. "After I discussed Hamlet with Captain Archer and Lieutenant Reed, I found it to be an exceptionally complex text with many wise quotations. If there is a book that matches it in emotional and philosophical complexity, as well as the talent of the author, I have not found this book."

Trip hadn't been exaggerating when he told her that his wife never gave short answers. "I didn't care much fer that one. Except for Ophelia and Horatio, I thought every last one of 'em was crazy!"

In response she got a raised eyebrow, and Lucy didn't know if that was good or bad. "Charles expressed similar sentiments. He believes that I should read a trilogy titled The Lord of the Rings."

"That's good advice. I always loved those books."

"I will read them once I have finished Les Miserables."

Not knowing what to say next, she changed the subject. "Ready ta go over an' see the prettiest candles on Earth?"

"I am ready." She placed her padd on the coffee table and stood up. "Mrs. Tucker, I appreciate your efforts to acquaint me with human customs. I am aware that most humans find me somewhat unapproachable."

She smiled. "Call me Lucy, dear. We're family! And I'm glad to help ya in any way I can. I've gotta admit, I don't know a thing about Vulcans, an' I hardly know ya as much as I'd like. So this is a learnin' process for both a' us."

"Indeed. Although I have not heard this term before, I find it appropriate."

Lucy opened her front door, and, much to her delight, found that there wasn't a reporter in sight. "It's just a few blocks down the road to the store."