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

An officer yanked Brian to his feet and patted him for weapons.


A uniformed sergeant with receding gray hair asked Jim’s mom, “Is that what happened, Ma’am?”


She cried but offered no comfort to Jim, plopping into a chair instead. “Yes. George argued with my son. Brian shot George as he was killing Jim.”


The sergeant ordered the young officer, “Uncuff him. Book the gun into evidence.” He went to the kitchen wall phone and dialed. “This is Sergeant Michaelson, send a Code 3 ambulance to the address on 4thStreet. I’ve got a stabbing victim and the suspect’s been shot. Notify the homicide unit that we have an attempted murder here.” He pointed at George. “Cuff him, he’s the suspect. This bleeding kid’s the victim, and the other young man and the mother are witnesses.”


After uncuffing Brian, the supervisor shook his hand. “It takes some pretty big balls to do what you did. You’ve got courage, son.”


Chapter 66