Aristotle and Dante Dive into the Waters of the World

Walking home, Ari feels confused; he loves Dante, but is not entirely sure what that means, wondering, “where was love supposed to take you?” (43). He thought about how their relationship would work after high school. Dante knew he wanted to go to Oberlin, whereas Ari had not given college much thought. Ari figures he will likely end up at the University of Texas.

Ari realizes that Dante is his only friend, and “it was complicated to be in love with your only friend” (43).

At home, Ari hears his mother talking to Mrs. Quintana in the kitchen. They are talking about Ari and Dante, and how they are scared for their sons, “scared the world will beat the decency out of them” (44). They consider how their husbands are taking the news that their sons are gay and agree that each man is handling it well and doing their best to provide support. Not wanting to interrupt, Ari decides to head back to Dante’s house.

On his walk, Ari feels bad for making his parents worry. A group of boys pass him and one of them points out Ari as the guy who beat up his friend. When the boy uses an anti-gay slur, Ari grabs him by the collar and threatens to beat him up.