Page 61 of The Pacifist
“I like this part.” Pearl pointed to the end. “It’s very strong and persuasive.”
“Do you think it will work?”
Looking up, she hesitated before speaking. “I can’t say. The whole world is changing and it’s human nature to hold on to safety in times like these.”
“But there’s never going to be any progress if we’re paralyzed with fear. How do I convince the Council members that the laws are too rigid?”
“They are going to argue it’s for people’s safety.”
I looked up at the sky. “I get that, but why can’t they see that it’s impossible to live in a bubble of safety? Almost anything can be dangerous if you don’t know how to handle it. Just think about the millions of bicycles that we have. Do you know how many accidents we have each year because people fall and get hurt? Or what about sports? People break their legs and bang their heads together. Should we ban all ice skating, soccer, and dancing?”
“I’m not disagreeing with you, Jonah, but you’re up against a Council where a large part won’t be swayed by anything you say because they didn’t want you on the Council to begin with.”
I sighed. “You don’t think I can swing the Council to my side?”
Her chest lifted and fell before she answered, “Miracles do happen.”
“Pearl, be honest.”
Taking my hand, Pearl spoke with sincerity, “Jonah, you are progressive in your thoughts and you challenge life as they know it. Few people have succeeded doing that, but then as I’ve told you before, you should never let yourself be limited by what others failed to do, because maybe they would have succeeded if they were you.”
I smiled. “That rhymes. I want that on a t-shirt.”
Pearl laughed. “I’m happy you appreciate my words. When I tell my children they typically roll their eyes at me.”
Pushing myself up from the blanket, I offered my hand to help Pearl up. “Thank you for your help.”
“My pleasure. How is your brother doing? I heard he had his interview.”
“He did and as expected, he was asked to spend some time in a place of reflection.”
“For how long?”
“I’m not sure. It was implied that they were willing to put all the blame on him and let the rest of the family continue running the park.”
“So he went?”
“Yes.”
Pearl crossed her arms. “I spent some time in a place of reflection.”
“How was it?”
“Beautiful and peaceful. Everyone was nice and caring.”
“But you hated it.”
“Even the most beautiful island will become a prison if you can’t get off it. The only way out is to tell them what they want to hear. I hope Cole understands that.”
“He’s smart, resourceful, and has little scruples about playing the system. I’m sure he’ll figure it out.”
“And Anne, have you talked to her?”
“We’ve been trying to, but she won’t meet with us.”
“She’s afraid of facing you all after what she did.”
I drew in a long breath. “I don’t blame her, but she’s out of luck. We’ve called for a mediation meeting and that means she’ll have to show up.”
