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

The door opened. Someone said, “Fuck.”


That distracted Robby for a second. Brian grabbed the blade with one hand and grasped the hand holding the knife with his other. He twisted the wrist back and around, doing a perfect takedown. The knife flew into the wall. Robby thumped the bathroom floor hard.


He went for the knife, but Jim seized it. “I’m going to the dean’s office and you’re getting suspended and arrested. Again.” He looked over Brian’s shoulder and pointed toward Robbie. “Guys, hold him down until I get back.” With that, he rushed out of the bathroom.


Brian turned to find two average-looking, longhaired boys tackling Robby and holding him in place. Brian had no idea how long they’d been in the men’s room.


A few seconds later, Jim rushed in with a uniformed police officer. “I saw him using the phone in the hallway just before I came in to check on you, Brian.”


The officer stepped forward, his hand over his gun. “What’s going on?”


Chapter 73