Running Loose

Later that day, Madison calls Mr. Sanders, a lawyer, to inquire about the legality of Jasper and Lednecky’s actions. Louie is shocked to learn that Mr. Sanders is looking into whether they can take the matter to court, because Jasper might be overstepping his authority and Lednecky’s role is questionable. During his last period, Louie is called into Jasper’s office and finds Lednecky and Madison already there. Jasper explains that he received a call from Mr. Sanders, suggesting it would benefit Louie to reintegrate into school activities. Jasper proposes a compromise: Louie can participate in track but won’t practice with the team. He also informs Louie that there will be an article in the school paper explaining the decision, and he’s letting him know in advance because he “likes to treat people fair” (133).

Louie, however, voices his concern about his running ability. Madison quickly reassures him, emphasizing that he has no expectations: He says he wants Louie “to forget about […] school records and points and all that and just concentrate on pushing [himself]” (135). He shares the story of his ’60s hero, Kip Keino, a Kenyan runner who trained alone and loved running for the sake of it. Madison stresses that athletics should be about the joy of the sport. Inspired, Louie begins his training routine. He runs along the lake and, halfway through the course, throws up—he hasn’t trained in a long time. Still, he perseveres, training every day and gradually improving. Madison never asks how far he runs, only if he is satisfied with the workout. One day, Louie runs to the bridge where Becky died. He wants to talk to her, to go back in time to save her. He jogs back home. He longs to connect with her and fantasizes about going back in time to save her. Afterward, he jogs back home.

Louie wins his first three races, which are away races. He rides to the meets alone, just like they’d planned, but never feels alienated; instead, Carter and even Boomer engage with him. Reflecting on the change in Boomer’s behavior, Louie muses: “Since the funeral, he’s given me a little room. I guess there was something in my agony that rang a bell in his own life. I wouldn’t push it, but it feels like the extreme danger may be over” (140). The fourth meet of the season is scheduled to be held in Trout. It’s a league invitational involving all eight teams. So far, Trout has been the best team in the league, except for sprints and long jump, which are dominated by Washington. On the morning of the meet, Louie drives to school with Carter and reflects on the steadiness of their friendship. He recalls Carter’s genuine excitement for his victories and appreciates his friend’s support.

When they get to school, Jasper makes an announcement: Later that day, there will be a ceremony in honor of Becky Sanders, during which they will plant a tree and hang a plaque. Louie freezes and decides not to attend. Later, Louie heads for the gym rather than the ceremony. There, he finds Carter waiting for him. Louie expresses his frustration, wishing that people would remember Becky for more than her achievements as a valedictorian and cheerleader. He feels that Jasper’s portrayal of her during the ceremony might misrepresent who she truly was. Carter agrees.

That afternoon, Louie wins the two-mile race. Afterward, he walks to Becky’s tree and reads the plaque: It describes her as “a shining and joyous example of all that Trout High School aspires to be” (144). Feeling a surge of emotions, he drives to Norm’s station and gets the sledgehammer he uses to repair trucks. Returning to the school, he swings at the plaque until it comes loose. Then he drives to the bridge and tosses it into the river. As he does so, he hears the echo of Becky’s laughter.

On Monday morning, Louie is summoned to Jasper’s office. He pretends not to know the reason for the meeting. Jasper is furious, and he interrogates Louie about his whereabouts the previous night. Louie claims he went for a drive. Jasper explains someone vandalized Becky’s plaque, and he knows it was Louie. Louie acts shocked and denies any involvement. Jasper suspends Louie, who counters that there’s no evidence to support the accusation, and threatens to escalate the matter to the school board. Jasper dismisses Louie, telling him to return to class.

Madison doesn’t mention the plaque. Instead, he focuses on the upcoming competition: Washington has been training for the two-mile. Louie trains hard throughout the week. On the day of the meet, Washington approaches Louie and jokes that he’s coming after him today. Louie then asks him what it’s like for him in Salmon River, to which Washington responds, “You mean, ‘cause I’m black?” (144). He expresses admiration for Louie, as he knows what happened with Boomer. Once the race begins, Louie initially has the lead, with Washington trailing closely behind. They end up neck and neck, and, despite exhaustion and pain, Louie summons the strength to cross the finish line first. Collapsing at the finish line, he’s attended to by medical staff. Washington praises Louie’s determination, admitting he couldn’t match his level of effort. With his time, Louie qualifies for regionals but finishes fourth and fails to qualify for the state competition. Meanwhile, Washington wins the state championships in the 100-meter dash and long jump.

One day, Jasper calls Louie into his office. He admits to jumping to the conclusion that Louie vandalized Becky’s plaque and says he wants to replace it. Curious about the motive behind the vandalism, he seeks Louie’s insight. Louie suggests that perhaps the message on the plaque and Jasper’s signature may have provoked someone. At the year-end commencement ceremony, Norm, as the chair of the school board, hands out diplomas. When it’s Louie’s turn, Norm tells him, “Son, I wish there were some way I could tell you how proud I am” (149). Overwhelmed with emotion, Louie bursts into tears. When he looks at the crowd, he sees Carter giving him a thumbs-up. Reflecting on the lessons of the past year, Louie acknowledges that he’s learned a lot about friendship, love, and morality. He has learned to accept himself and that facing challenges is possible with the support of loved ones. However, he admits that he still struggles to like people who don’t like him. Jasper has recently replaced the plaque with an exact duplicate, and soon Louie will retrieve the hammer from the station.