ANSWERS THAT DID NOT ANSWER

Chapter XII of “Just David” opens with David recounting to a man and a little girl, identified as Jack and Jill respectively, his encounter with a group of boys from which he emerged battered but victorious, thanks to his desire to rescue a cat. The siblings, living in a small house across the creek from Sunnycrest, provide care for David’s injuries while trying to understand the courageous yet enigmatic boy who fought off six older boys to save an animal. Through their conversation, it is revealed that David, possessing skills in jiujitsu taught by his deceased father, values the beauty of the world above the pain of physical confrontations. His philosophies on life, taught by his father and augmented by experiences, puzzle his listeners, including Jack, who is bemused by David’s quoting of Latin and his unique outlook on life, encapsulated in the phrase “Horas non numero nisi serenas,” meaning “I count no hours but unclouded ones.”

David’s past, intertwined with his music, emerges as he speaks of his “Lady of the Roses” — a figure associated with kindness and the enchanting world of melody that David cherishes. This reference prompts a sudden change in Jack, revealing a complex web of relationships and unspoken tensions related to Miss Holbrook, known to David as the Lady of the Roses.

As the chapter unfolds, it is also narrated that David had faced disapproval back at the Holly farmhouse for engaging in a fight, despite the noble cause behind it. This incident is a moment of learning for both David and the Hollys, revealing the conflicting values of bravery and peace, and the intricate moralities involved in action and consequence.

However, David’s spirit remains untethered, his innocence and determination allowing him to navigate the complexities of human relationships and societal norms. His questions about Jack and Jill’s happiness expose deeper societal and personal issues, such as loneliness and despair, subtly critiquing the ways in which communities interact with and support their members. In this chapter, David’s pure-hearted approach to life and his interactions with others serve not only to further his own journey but also to reflect on the people around him, urging a reevaluation of values and the importance of understanding and compassion.