Chapter 6: Reconciling
Later that night, Jacob was sitting at his desk studying math, but his mind was far from equations and calculations. He thought about the day’s events and the breaking of the bowl. The day started out like an adventure, seeing different places and people along the way. But the ending left him less than satisfied. He was more confused than anything. He thought that his grandpa’s breaking of the bowl was wrong. Grandpa didn't even seem to care about all the effort Yumiko put into making the bowl. And yet, his grandpa always seemed to have a good reason for whatever he did. And then, Jacob recalled the act of killing the cricket and his grandpa’s reaction earlier that morning. He put his pencil down and immediately went in search of Grandpa.
After trying the kitchen and the living room, Jacob found grandpa in his study. Although the day's events were still heavy on his mind, Jacob paused at the entrance way for a moment, noticing his grandpa asleep in his favorite reading chair. It was a large copper colored chair from which a chrome reading lamp grew from behind, spreading a warm orange glow over his grandpa and a small table by his side. On the table were a portrait of Jacob's grandma and a recently picked daisy at its base. Grandpa had a large book in his lap. The book's cover was bright blue and gold. It had geometrical shapes interwoven with floral patterns that seemed endless. It was well worn as if it had seen many generations. It was one of Grandpa's old books. Jacob thought to himself, that for his grandpa, books were also like synagogues and cathedrals, to be visited once in a while to be close to the ancients. Grandpa shifted in the chair and opened
his eyes as he came out of his slumber.
“Jacob, you caught me sleeping. What’s up, sport?”
Jacob tried to avoid eye contact with his grandpa by scanning the numerous books on the shelves, stretching to the ceiling. “Well, umm. I...I...”
“Yes? Jacob, What is it? I know you have something on your mind.”
“Grandpa, did you break the bowl today because I killed the cricket in the garden?”
“Let me ask you something, Jacob. As great as Yumiko’s bowls are, do you think pretty much anyone could learn to make such beautiful bowls if they worked at it hard enough?”
Jacob thought about it for a moment. “Yes, I guess so.”
“Do you think anyone can make a cricket?”
Jacob cracked a wry smile and then struggled to choke out a lengthy “No!”
“One should never kill any living thing in vain, that is, without justifiable cause and in a disrespectful manner. I am not worried about the cricket being dead. You must know that. What I was concerned about was the lack of thought you put into your actions. What should keep us from killing is not just that we've been told it's wrong to kill, but a deeper understanding as to how complex and precious life is itself. Every living thing is a billion times more complex and has a much broader purpose than the most beautiful pottery ever made. Do you understand?”
Jacob stared at his shoes. “I'm sorry, Grandpa.”
“Did you learn something today, Jacob?”
“Yes.”
“Then, there's nothing to be sorry about. Hey, you go back to your studies and in a little while we'll pick out a DVD to watch together.”
“Okay, Grandpa.” Jacob disappeared down the hallway.
A little while later Grandpa visited Jacob’s room where Jacob was doing his school work.
“What are you studying?”
“Math.”
“I see.” Grandpa paused for a moment. “Jacob, about today.”
Jacob looked up with a half smile. “Yes, Grandpa?”
“I understand the games played by young boys and that imagination is a big part of growing up. I can easily recall the games I played at your age. I just wanted you to learn to think before you act.”
“I know, Grandpa. I understand.”
Grandpa placed his arms around his Jacob and gave him a big hug.
Thinking about all the trouble his grandpa took in order to teach him a valuable lesson, Jacob beamed a warm smile in return. “Grandpa?”
“Yes, Jacob?”
“I don't think you're boring.”
“Why, thank you, Jacob.”
“But Grandpa,” Jacob added.
“Yes, Jacob.”
“This math is sure boring!”
They both burst out laughing. From a half-open window, the sound of crickets filled the night.
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About William Colton
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