Chapter 2

Good News. Bad News.
1968-1977

Linda and Bob, met in graduate school at Boston College in 1968.

Bob Sutton migrated from Minnesota to study Latin American Studies. Linda Boyd hailed from Seaford Delaware and was studying for a master’s degree in education. She hoped to become a Spanish teacher.

Bob and Linda’s romance was not typical. Bob noticed her in their mutual Spanish class. Linda noticed his unimpressive opinions on Latin American geo-politics. She was more interested in academics than in socializing, and certainly not dating. Linda had staunchly decided before she graduated high school that she would not limit herself by settling for a comfortable marriage. Family may happen, or it may not. SHE held her own fate. She wasn’t in school to land a husband or start a family.

Linda had felt off for the better part of a week. Halfway through Professor Carlson’s lecture, her stomach growled ominously. She had cooked pasta Carbonara the night before and it was sitting leaden in her belly. She quickly excused herself. Linda had hardly made it out of the lecture hall before the contents of her stomach came lurching up, splattering on the floor like some ersatz Jackson Pollock creation. Linda’s roommate, Missy McNight convinced her to visit to the campus nurse. Linda initially objected, but after being harangued, relented.

Linda sat on the examining table, the white paper crinkled under her as she swung her bell-bottomed jeans legs back and forth.

“I took your temperature, everything is alright.” the nurse said entering the room, smiling.

“I’m sure its just food poisoning” Linda replied. Stupid Missy, this is a waste of time. She though ruefully, My paper isn’t going to write itself.

The nurse smiled and took Linda’s hand. Then the nurse handed her a pamphlet on “The Miracle of Motherhood” and escorted her out the door.

Linda shuffled back to her dorm room in a daze. Looking up, she saw Bob walking across the quad. Seeing her, he waved and started walking toward her. She waved back weakly.

“I’m so glad I ran into you!” Bob exclaimed. “I just came from the most amazing meeting. We’re going to organize a protest against the war.” Bob looked at her, his eyes shining.

“That’s great.” Linda said blankly.

“Isn’t it?” Bob replied, oblivious to Linda’s blasé response. “If we all come together, I really think we can end this fascist aggression against the people of Vietnam by next year. Are we still on for tonight?”

“Tonight?” Linda replied.

“Dinner. My place? I’m cooking.” Bob furrowed his brow, then laughed.

“Oh yes. Of course.” Linda managed a weak smile.

“See you then!” Bob kissed Linda on the forehead and trotted away. He turned around. “Seven!” he shouted.

She knocked on the door.