Chapter 16

Jacob, who was new this year, added, ??My uncle is a rabbi. He says that a hero??s death can be seen as a culmination of a good life, a way of saying see, my life was worthwhile. So it??s possible that suicide could have meaning other than you pissed me off and now you??ll be sorry. That kind is just wrong, and stupid. It??s prohibited, in my religion, like murder. I mean life changes so fast anyhow, it??s bound to get better if you just wait.?? He stopped talking and went back into his usual silence, but people looked at him, and not in a bad way.

??Talk more about that,?? Mr. Jay said.

??Well, you??re walking along, just living and suddenly????

??Your bike slides in front of a car.??

??Or you get sick and die.??

??Or your cousin gets stupid and overdoses.??