A Ladder to the Sky

by John Boyne

“What was it Woodrow Wilson said?” asked Gore. “That loyalty means nothing unless it has at its heart the absolute principle of self-sacrifice?

“All right. But you know what they say in Italy, yes? Quando dio vuole castigarci, ci manda quello che desideriamo.” “Which means?” “When the gods wish to punish us, they answer our prayers.”

“Well, that’s good news for him, I suppose,” I said. “But what about the boys? What about their schooling?” “They do have schools in America, as far as I understand.” “Yes, with metal detectors on every doorway to hold back the shooters.”

“And you’ve heard the old proverb about ambition, haven’t you?” He shook his head. “That it’s like setting a ladder to the sky. A pointless waste of energy.

“You’ve heard the wonderful news, I presume?” “No. Has Mr. Trump died?”