If the world’s moving why aren’t we moving as well?
The boys were carefree and naïve. They were enjoying warm summer days, “lying in the long grass on a flattened box, looking up.” The grass was “real wet,” they had nothing to do, so they had time for philosophical questions. Kevin was the first one to suggest the topic, “If the world’s moving why we aren’t moving as well?” The funniest thing was that Kevin “knew the answer; that was why he’d asked the question.” Paddy “knew that.” No one answered, for they were not in school anymore. They had free time and there was nothing better than a sunny day, friends, and a serious question to contemplate.
Boycott!
Patrick wasn’t the most popular boy but he definitely wasn’t an outcast. He had many friends—at least he used to think so—who were always up to some fun. They had had so many adventures together that sudden “boycott” was a hard blow. They “wouldn’t talk to him or anything.” The most terrible part was beating—there was “a hole” inside him “for a bit; getting used to it.” No matter how lonely he felt, Patrick refused to give up. He knew that the boycott and taunting were not that important; he had other responsibilities to worry about.
You’re the man of the house now, Patrick.
Patrick “watched Liverpool winning” and “cheered when the finale whistle got blown.” He didn’t heart shouting or sounds of beating, but he knew that something irrevocable had happened. He was sure that “tomorrow or the day after” his mother was going to call him over to her and say, “You’re the man of the house now, Patrick.” That was “the way” it “always happened.” His classmates thought it was hilarious and made Patrick a new victim. He didn’t listen to them. They were “only kids.”
