Accidental Shield

“Valerie can go with us, can’t she, Dad?” Before Flint has a chance to answer, Bryce looks at me. “They’re having this special history day thing just for kids, and I’m sure you’ll like it. Dad said we could go last month, and I almost forgot about it. Did you know Pearl Harbor used to be called Wai Moni? Think it means ‘Water of the Pearls.’”

“I didn’t,” I say. “That’s interesting. I’m sure I’ll love going with you.”

“She can go with us, Dad? Can’t she?”

“Sure,” Flint says. “We’ll all go.”

Bryce frowns slightly. “Even Grandma?”

“Even Grandma? Oh, you.” Beverly puts both hands on her hips. “Are you that sick of me?”

Bryce shakes his head. “Nah, you just usually get tired and don’t go—”

“Because I’m usually not invited to the coolest stuff,” Beverly says with a haughty sniff. “Or maybe I’m just getting tired of playing third wheel to you boys. It’s different this time with another lady.”

She looks at me and smiles. I return it.

Flint shakes his head and shrugs.

“I’m just teasing,” she says. “But I’ll go with you today.”

He nods. “We’ll leave in an hour.”

“Great!” Bryce shouts. “That’ll give me time to show Grandma how Savanny plays fetch.”

For a second, Flint and I share a look, both of us rolling our eyes.

As Bryce drags Beverly to the back door, Flint shouts after him, “Get your fix in now because that cat can’t go to Pearl Harbor!”

“Jeez, I know, Dad!”

I step up next to Flint. “King Heron Fishing isn’t far from Pearl Harbor.”

“I know,” he says, looking at me.

I nod, reading his mind.

“Davis will keep an eye on you the whole time. There’s nothing to worry about.”

“I’m not worried about me. I’ll be fine. You’re the one putting yourself in danger,” I tell him.

He chuckles softly. “Hardly. No one will think twice about a damn bug guy walking through the door.” He winks at me. “Plus I’ll have your map. We’ve got this.”

I so hope he’s right.

* * *

We leave an hour later.

Bryce and Beverly are in the back seat, blabbing away about everything they want to see at Pearl Harbor. There’s also a huge swap meet happening nearby at the stadium Beverly plans to stop by to satisfy her shopper bug.

I have a queasy sensation I can’t quite pin down.

I’ve lived in Honolulu for years and have been to the historic center several times, but I’ve never felt the rush they’re clearly getting.

Maybe it’s just due to Flint, knowing he’ll be sneaking over to the King Heron headquarters while we’re off enjoying our day. I’m worried about that, hoping it goes well.

But at the same time, I think it’s deeper, too.

Shortly after we arrive and enter the visitor center, Flint slips away.

Beverly and Bryce are already engrossed in the movie that’s starting, so they don’t even notice, especially when he’d mentioned something about going off to get his brakes looked at. His mechanic is in the area as well.

I turn my attention to the film about the infamous attack on Pearl Harbor, bringing the US into World War II.

I’m hoping it’ll help me stop thinking about what might happen if Flint gets caught. He swears he won’t, and I believe him, but I’m still scared for him.

The narration keeps my attention on the screen, and soon I’m engrossed.

It’s not actually new.

I’ve been to Pearl Harbor several times over the years. It’s practically a rite of passage for every kid who grows up on the island.

But I’d never paid such close attention because this film seems new to me.

Sure, I know the history. We all do. The what and why, but the sacrifices of thousands of sailors and soldiers and airmen…I’ve never considered it before. And I’d never thought much about their families suffering, either, anxious men and women who must’ve waited on tenterhooks for some word about their loved ones.

The fact that I never wondered until now reminds me how selfish I was. Living the high life as a Gerard meant being insulated, free from the pain and the worries of mere mortals.

By the time the documentary wraps up, this hot shame pulses through my blood.

I don’t want to be that person again.

I can’t go back.

“Valerie, the movie’s over,” Bryce says, getting up. “Come on, we’re gonna look at the submarine.”

I follow along for the next hour. The submarine is a little more cramped than the other attractions, so I go with Bryce alone while his grandmother hangs back.

I see the entire memorial with new eyes. It’s incredible.

So is how animated Bryce gets by everything he reads and touches. It’s a quiet, respectful excitement. A boy in awe at the sacrifices a fine group of men and women made one December day, and then throughout the dark years of war ahead.

Later, he even talks about joining a branch in the service someday, just like his father.