Reconciliation

At the end of the novel, one of the most important moments in the plot occurs when Rowdy decides to reconcile with Junior. On one hand this moment seems to be a touching gesture, showing how individuals can put aside differences to regain a lost relationship. On the other hand, I am not sure how realistic this entire scenario is in the larger context of the novel. That is, I am not sure if Rowdy really would want to rekindle his lost friendship with Junior considering the betrayal that he felt. Rather, I would expect that the relationship between Junior and Rowdy would continue in a somewhat passive aggressive manner similar to how Rowdy did not tear up the picture Junior drew, but at the same time, did not come out and forgive Junior. Perhaps Junior was dreaming about his renewed friendship with Rowdy. The passage from the end of the novel displays a somewhat dreamlike quality due to its vividness and broad language as seen when Junior states: "Rowdy and I played one-on-one for hours. We played until dark. We played until the streetlights lit up the court. We played until the bats swooped down at our heads. We played until the moon was huge and golden and perfect in the dark sky" (230). I believe that the descriptors used in the passage such as the moon being "huge and golden" are what gives the passage this dreamlike quality. Overall, although it was endearing that two old friends could return their relationship to what it was, I do not believe that this is plausible given the rest of the plot.