Summary

In Chapter 22, Carl smiles when he sees Joe because he knows it is his turn to open up, especially since Joe's mid-term paper on a major turning point in Carl's life is nearly due. After hearing how vehemently Virgil protested his innocence, Carl laughingly admits that he was not acting heroic when he saved his friend; he wanted to die. However, since his religious upbringing prohibited suicide, he saw his acts as a righteous sacrifice. Reminding Carl of his promise to be honest, Joe asks about the second story in Vietnam that Virgil mentioned. Though Carl does not know what it will prove, he agrees to share the tale. After listening attentively for two hours, Joe writes Carl's story as the turning point in his life.

Chapter 23 explores Joe's turning point assignment as he shares how Carl met Virgil in Vietnam on September...