Growing up is hard enough, but it’s worse as a pacifist whose country is at war. Jim and Brian are neighbors, best friends, and high school graduates heading for college. In 1970 the Vietnam War raged, and Brian and Jim, both pacifists, worry about being drafted. To make matters worse, both men are gay and far from out. When Brian finally admits his feelings for his friend, he’s surprised and pleased Jim feels the same. Brian’s father teaches jujitsu, and the two men learn the ancient art, though neither believes in fighting. They struggle to overcome their pacifist tendencies amid racial tension and homophobia that threatens to tear their lives -- and their love -- apart. Can Brian and Jim turn fear into courage and learn to defend themselves, and each other, to create a life of love?

Fear and Courage

George said, “Nothing officer, must have been the TV. Everyone’s fine here.”


The officer frowned and looked at the dormant TV. He turned to Mom. “Ma’am, are you hurt? Something went on here.”


Mom, always afraid of George, said, “Nothing went on.” Her voice sounded flat.


George smiled like a used car salesman. “Everything’s fine here.”


Jim pushed off the wall and pointed at him. “Liar! You slammed me into the wall, choked me, said you’d kill me, and punched me. Another sucker punch like all the other times.”


The second officer, inches shorter than the first, but with huge upper arms straining his short sleeves, said, “And why did that happen? Were you disrespectful to your father?”


“The jerk isn’tmy father. He said my friend and I were gay, and I said it takes one to know one.”


Mom interrupted, placing a hand on George’s shoulder. “Officers, it’s family business and we can take care of it. Thank you for your concern. Who called?”


Chapter 17