Fear and Courage

Chapter 1 San Jose, California, June 1970 Glad that he graduated high school yesterday, Brian pedaled his bike double-time to Mrs. Guardino’s home on 10th Street. Once there, he set his bike on its kickstand, waved to her, and trotted up the steps to the porch, putting extra effort into an encouraging smile and uplifting tone. “Hi, Mrs. G. How are you?” There was something special about her and he enjoyed being in her presence, and he didn’t really have many other friends besides Jim. “Old and dying.” She shook her head. Over the last few months, she’d lost her balance more often, her voice had grown progressively weaker, and the hair in which she’d previously taken so much pride now lay in flat strands around her face, untouched by a stylist. Giving him a weak hug, she added, “Nice to see you, Brian. You’re a sweet young man.” Her eyes had also lost their luster and her wrinkles seemed deeper than last week. Maybe she was dehydrated? He sat next to her on the antique wood swing, wondering about its sturdiness. Good thing neither of them weighed much. “You take all your medicines today?” “Don’t matter. I feel the same with or without them.” Brian worked up his best disapproving glare. “Fine, I’ll take the rest when I go in.” He switched to his best smile. “What can I do for you today?” She threw her hands in the air. “Ah, so much. The lawn, that bush, dishes in the sink, the carpet needs vacuuming, and there’s some laundry.” She wrinkled her face and shook her head again. “Better do that first. I had a small accident in the bed, but it didn’t reach the mattress pad.” “I’ll take care of it.” He patted her shoulder.