Death Coming Up The Hill: A Novel

In August 1968, week 31, Angela expresses her distress over her brother’s uncertain status in Vietnam. Filled with desperation, she calls Ashe to meet at the park, where she pours out her frustration, anger, and sadness. She openly admits she would “do anything to save” her brother (100), even expressing willingness to sacrifice her life. Her resolution prompts Ashe to question his own capacity for such selfless love and courage in a similar situation.

In August 1968, week 32, Ashe returns home to find his mother whispering into the phone and wiping tears in the kitchen. When Ashe inquires about the call, suspecting it was from his father, his mother avoids the topic. Suddenly, Ashe’s father unexpectedly arrives, creating a tense atmosphere. Amid the palpable tension, his mother seeks Ashe’s support. Just then, the doorbell rings, and Angela appears, catching Ashe off guard. In the ensuing awkwardness, Ashe’s father expresses disapproval for his “hippie girlfriend” (103), leaving Ashe struggling to navigate his father’s cold and sharp reactions.

In August 1968, during week 33, Angela and her mother bring dinner over to Ashe’s house to provide support, injecting “life back into [their] home” (104). After dinner, while watching the news, a report on the war leads Ashe to switch to coverage of a high-rise building project in New York City. Ashe’s mother comments on the irony of constructing grand monuments during a war. Angela’s mother responds with understanding and solidarity.

In August 1968, during week 34, Ashe expresses gratitude for Mrs. Turner’s support, which has been instrumental in helping his mother navigate through difficult days. Despite this, Ashe remains anxious as he often finds his mother in distress, experiencing intense physical discomfort in their home. He feels utterly helpless and concerned about what actions he could take if his mother “went into labor” unexpectedly (107). The fear of potential complications for both his mother and the baby leaves Ashe feeling overwhelmed about the future.

Ashe reflects on working with Reuben Ortega under the Arizona sun. Reuben, sharing his war experiences, profoundly influences Ashe’s perception of the conflict. Reuben describes the horrors of war, advising Ashe against involvement and emphasizing its lasting impact on survivors. Reuben’s accounts of war horrors transform casualty reports into stories of real people for Ashe. He fervently hopes Angela’s brother, Kelly, is not among the casualties in Vietnam.

In September 1968, during week 36, the Democrats announce Hubert Humphrey as their candidate against Nixon, but global conflicts overshadow their convention. Chicago protests lead to “un-American” police violence, and turmoil erupts in cities like Paris and Prague, extending beyond the Vietnam War. On the first day of school, Ashe experiences a mix of novelty and familiarity and keeps his less-than-ideal summer private. Wondering how many others conceal struggles behind carefree exteriors, he finds comfort in encountering Angela at his locker. Together, they enter Mr. Ruby’s class, Contemporary Civilization.

In September 1968, during week 37, Ashe’s father pressures Ashe to leave his mother and move in with him, but Ashe refuses, unwilling to abandon his mother at a crucial time. Despite this, Ashe agrees to meet his father for lunch, where his father, worn but resolute, expresses deep emotional distress caused by Ashe’s mother’s actions. Declaring an intent to fight for Ashe and seek retribution against his mother, he presents Ashe with an ultimatum: to stand by his side in the confrontation against Ashe’s mother or become his opponent.

In September 1968, during week 38, Ashe is awakened late Monday night by his mother’s cries of pain, signaling the onset of her labor. Fear grips him even though his mother has prepared him for this moment. Worried as they speed to the hospital, Ashe’s anxiety turns to anger at the baby’s absent father. As Ashe wishes he knew how to reach the father, a nurse interrupts his thoughts to inform him of the birth of his sister.

On September 1968, week 39, in Mr. Ruby’s class, the discussion centers on “miscegenation” and interracial marriage laws. The topic draws parallels for Ashe with his father’s mindset, reminiscent of those states holding onto “racist traditions.” Uncomfortable thinking about his father’s views, Ashe slumps in his seat.

In October 1968, week 40, Ashe’s mother names the baby Rosa. When Ashe holds his little sister’s finger for the first time, he feels an overwhelming rush of love. Rosa’s perfection and beauty captivate him, yet he is also struck by the realization that she is Black. He is relieved that both his mother and baby sister are okay. In that moment, he does not dwell on his father’s possible reaction, societal gossip, or any potential repercussions. Instead, his sole focus is on the immense love he feels for his “precious sister.”

In October 1968, during week 41, Ashe feels an immense “weight of responsibility” after Rosa’s birth (122). He desires to protect his mother and his newborn sister but understands the complexity and uncertainty that come with his parents’ divorce. He finds parallels between the conflicts within his family and the violence in Vietnam, fearing that he might have to navigate both battles simultaneously. Initially hopeful that Rosa’s arrival might heal their fractured family, Ashe faces the harsh reality when his father threatens to ruin Ashe’s mother and Rosa. Ashe stands resolutely by his mother’s side, knowing he might be caught in the middle of their conflict.

In October 1968, week 42, Angela visits Ashe’s house. They watch Olympic highlights together while babysitting Rosa. Angela calls Rosa her “little soul sister” and eagerly holds her (124). During the nationally televised medal ceremony, two American sprinters create a stir by raising “black-gloved fists in a bold Black Power salute” (125). This act draws boos and hisses from the audience, but the sprinters maintain a proud, stoic silence. Angela expresses admiration for the bold statement, recognizing its significance for Rosa’s future.

In October 1968, week 43, Ashe’s father files for divorce and seeks custody of Ashe, claiming Ashe’s mother is unfit. When Ashe arrives home from school, he finds his distressed mother holding Rosa, leaving Ashe unsure of how to console his mother and sister.

In November 1968, week 44, Ashe shares a tense dinner with his distressed father at Coco’s. Later at home, he finds his mother with Marcus, Rosa’s father, who appears nervous and admits to being on the run from the authorities. Despite the tumultuous situation, Ashe holds onto hope for the end of the Vietnam War, inspired by President Johnson’s announcement of a halt to bombing in North Vietnam.

In November 1968, week 45, the hope following President Johnson’s announcement of a bombing halt shatters as Nixon defeats Hubert Humphrey in the presidential election. The morning after Nixon’s win, Angela appears drained at school. Ashe accompanies her silently to Mr. Ruby’s class. Suddenly, Angela embraces Ashe tightly and breaks down in tears, revealing that her brother is Missing In Action (MIA). Overwhelmed by the news and the weight of their personal struggles, Ashe finds himself crying alongside Angela. Both grieve the loss of loved ones in a “senseless” and preventable conflict.

In November 1968, during week 46, Ashe’s mother shares court papers at dinner as she nurses Rosa. Expressing her fear of losing Ashe, she holds him close. Observing his baby sister embraced by their mother, he understands her primary concern is for Rosa’s well-being. At 17, Ashe recognizes Rosa is “only a baby” who requires their mother’s nurturing care (134).

During the 47th week of November 1968, Angela gives Ashe “a copper MIA wristband” engraved with her brother’s name and the date he disappeared (136). Ashe wears it as a symbol of solidarity until her brother returns or his body is found. Ashe contemplates what lasting symbol he could give Angela in case he goes missing. Meanwhile, Ashe’s mother proposes relocating to flee from his father and the custody hearing, but Ashe considers the impracticality of leaving their home, friends, and financial stability, especially considering his impending draft and financial concerns.

During week 48 in November 1968, Ashe and his mother spend Thanksgiving at Angela’s house. Angela’s family’s warmth and the shared holiday help both families. However, their pleasant return home is disrupted by Ashe’s intoxicated father, but Ashe handles the tense situation calmly, instructing his mother to take Rosa inside.

In December 1968, week 49, Ashe witnesses Mr. Ruby writing numbers on the board in class, noting the death toll in Vietnam reaching 30,000 that week since 1961. Mr. Ruby emphasizes the enormity of the loss, highlighting it as half the population of Tempe. Ashe grasps the gravity of Mr. Ruby’s statement.

In December 1968, week 50, Ashe receives two distressing letters. The first is from his father, warning that his father will stop financially supporting Ashe unless Ashe lives with him. The second letter delivers the news that Marcus is dead, shattering Ashe’s mother’s hope.

In December 1968, week 51, Angela becomes emotional hearing about Ashe’s situation and embraces him tightly. Ashe’s mother expresses concerns when he mentions quitting school to find a job, suggesting he live with his dad. However, Ashe does not want to leave his mother and Rosa. Feeling trapped, he confides in Angela, discussing options late into the night. Ashe contemplates the only viable option: the draft for war.

In December 1968, week 52, Ashe reflects on the essence of heroism, concluding that “a hero is someone who risks his life” for a greater cause (146). Despite his aversion to war, Ashe resolves to sacrifice himself for the well-being of his mother and Rosa. Angela reacts to Ashe’s decision by pounding his chest, leaning on him, and sobbing. Later, at the bus station, Ashe and Angela spend their time together, holding hands, conversing, and sharing affectionate moments, recognizing that “mourning starts with goodbye” (147). Ashe presents Angela with the MIA bracelet as a parting gift before departing.

In February 1969, during week eight, Ashe experiences the harsh reality of boot camp at Fort Polk. His drill instructor emphasizes that boot camp toughens individuals, but Ashe recognizes it as a process that turns “hearts of flesh into hearts of stone” (148). Throughout the eight weeks, Ashe and his fellow recruits endure exhausting physical activities with minimal food and sleep. Each night, he collapses into his bunk utterly drained, only to be awoken before dawn for more rigorous training. The demanding routine leaves him with little energy and time, allowing just five minutes a week for personal thoughts or writing letters home. Upon completing boot camp, Ashe poses for his Army portrait, bearing a stern, serious expression.

In May 1969, during week 18, Ashe now belongs to the 101st Airborne unit. The Commanding Officer advises everyone to purchase life insurance, and Ashe promptly secures coverage, ensuring that his pay will go to his mother in case something happens to him. Ashe finds himself in “a humid hell” with the constant threat of death lingering amidst jungle shadows (150). He lives in a constant state of vigilance, always prepared with his M16 rifle. During night patrols, Ashe finds motivation in two things: survival and thoughts of the people he loves. He dreams of Rosa, his mother, Angela, and even his father, contemplating whether they’re looking at “the same moon” and thinking about him (150).

In May 1969, during week 20, Ashe finds himself entrenched on Hill 937, awaiting the commencement of Operation Apache Snow. As he occupies his foxhole, he experiences intense tremors and sweating, unable to discern if it is sickness or fear that is causing this reaction. Hurriedly, Ashe writes his thoughts, acknowledging that if the handwriting is illegible, it is due to his rushed state. He expresses a sense of imminent danger, mentioning the sight of “Death coming up the hill” and his lack of preparation to confront it (151). The novel’s final words suggest that Ashe dies in battle.