It is 1914. Two Harvard undergraduates navigate the battles they face in the classroom, on the ballfield, and in their hearts. While European nations maneuver toward war, William and Merlin must decide how to juggle their travails in Cambridge with the tragedies overseas. As they endure the horrors of the Western Front, William clings to the hope that he may somehow find answers about his past. If only he can discover a way to maneuver through no-man's-land, elude the German lines, and make inquiries in Antwerp.
William consciously tried to keep his face from contorting. He would not dishonor the patriarch of this family that had given him so much.
Still, to unleash this pent-up rhetoric in the seats of Brave’s Field—in the midst of the world championship! Would someone please explain to Uncle how ludicrous it is!
“A wolf and a lamb,” Uncle muttered. “A leopard next to a kid? A calf and a lion? A cow and a bear? Did Isaiah compose such words with hope of an equitable zoo? Is this what the Messiah will accomplish? Is it not to tear apart all that we have built between us? That separates us? That divides? And has it not happened? Have I not seen it? On the plains? During their ceremony with bread and wine? Cowboys and ranchers and natives and bankers. Former slaves and politicians. Women, children, all partaking . . . all acknowledging . . . He had already come.”
Mowrey hit a weak fly to short, easily caught by Everett Scott to end the game and the Series.
The crowd cheered, but certainly not as raucously as for the previous Boston wins William had witnessed. The Rooters raided the field, blasting “Tessie,” while William remained seated, watching Uncle continue his deliberation.
He appeared finished but remained in the same position, leaning forward, eyes focused on the field, watching the Boston players celebrate with their fans.
As the seats emptied, Uncle turned to William. His eyes were narrowed, his brow furrowed, as if he were struggling to unravel a difficult geometric theorem.
Well?” Uncle asked. “What do you think?”
“Of all you’ve been saying?”
“Yes.”
William shifted his eyes away. He shook his head and before speaking focused back on Uncle. “I don’t believe in any of that.”