1917

January 8, 1918

The essay was due the following day, and I’ll admit I procrastinated until around eight o’clock in the evening before finally starting it. My mind felt clouded, and I could barely focus—no doubt a result of the sleepless night before. Still, I managed to finish Jane Eyre in an impressive seven hours, a personal record. I felt oddly proud; not many people could read that fast.

School was as dull as ever. I handed in my assignment, and the teacher stared at me like I’d been caught doing something criminal.

“Did you write this?” she asked, leaning in so close our faces were practically touching. The moment was painfully awkward.

“Yes, ma’am,” I muttered.

“This is brilliant! Read it to the class, if you don’t mind?” she said, already moving to the blackboard.

“The Accomplishments of Archduke Franz Ferdinand”

  “Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria, whose assassination in 1914 is often credited as the immediate spark for World War I, led a life of complex political and military engagement. Though his legacy is often overshadowed by the cataclysmic events that followed his death, Franz Ferdinand’s accomplishments during his lifetime were significant and shed light on his role as a reformist within the Austro-Hungarian Empire. His contributions to military modernization, his vision for political reform, and his attempts to navigate the challenges of nationalism are key aspects of his legacy.”

“Military Modernization”

  “One of Franz Ferdinand’s notable accomplishments was his role in modernizing the Austro-Hungarian military. As Inspector General of the Army, he oversaw the empire’s armed forces and advocated strongly for reform. Under his guidance, efforts were made to improve efficiency and capability—crucial changes for an empire falling behind its European rivals. His dedication to strengthening defenses through updated tactics and equipment reflected his awareness of rising tensions across Europe. Though his reforms didn’t have time to fully take root before World War I, they demonstrated a proactive stance toward the volatile geopolitical landscape.”

“Political Reform and the Federalist Vision”

  “Franz Ferdinand’s most significant political accomplishment was his advocacy for reorganizing the empire’s structure. Recognizing growing ethnic dissatisfaction and the dangers of nationalism, he developed a federalist vision known as ‘Trialism.’ This plan proposed transforming the dual monarchy into a tripartite government, incorporating a South Slav kingdom alongside Austria and Hungary.”

  “This vision aimed to integrate the empire’s diverse ethnic groups and offer greater autonomy to regions like Bosnia and Herzegovina. Although his assassination prevented these reforms from taking shape, the ideas demonstrated a forward-thinking approach to governance. Had Trialism been realized, it might have mitigated some nationalist tensions that later contributed to the empire’s collapse.”

“Navigation of Nationalism and Diplomacy”

  “Franz Ferdinand’s diplomatic efforts were another key part of his legacy. A staunch advocate of preserving the empire, he often opposed aggressive foreign policy, particularly proposals for war with Serbia. He believed such a conflict would worsen internal divisions. His attempts to pursue peaceful resolutions, though unsuccessful, showed a nuanced understanding of early 20th-century politics.”

  “His marriage to Sophie, Duchess of Hohenberg—considered beneath his rank—also showed his willingness to defy tradition. The controversy it caused within the imperial court highlighted his independence and desire for modernization.”

“Legacy and Historical Impact”

  “Although Franz Ferdinand’s life was cut short before many of his ambitions could be realized, his legacy as a reformist remains significant. His efforts to modernize the military, address ethnic tensions, and maintain stability reflected a deep engagement with the challenges of his time. Ironically, despite his attempts to prevent war, his assassination triggered the chain of events that led to World War I.”

  “She read the entire thing aloud to the class**, and I shrank back in my seat, hiding from their stares.

“Brilliant work, Jeremiah! No wonder I made you the teacher’s pet,” she added, sending a rush of embarrassment through me.

“Thank you, Mrs. Harrison,” I muttered, scurrying back to my desk as anxiety washed over me like a suffocating shroud.

“Psst,” Michael whispered.

“What?”

“I gotta show you the best book ever,” he whispered a bit too loudly.

  Mrs. Harrison shot us a glare.   “Stop talking.”

  “Sorry…” I mumbled.   “Yeah, sorry,” Michael echoed.

Chemistry Class

  The bell rang. Chemistry—my worst class—came next. It was my only B-minus, a smudge on an otherwise clean record.

  We were assigned to dissolve an egg in vinegar, a process that would take three days. I scowled; Mr. Bailey didn’t notice.

  He turned to Michael. “How was your weekend?”

“You mean when my father wasn’t drinking? It went well,” Michael said quietly.

  “Oh, Michael, I’m so sorry…” Bailey replied, dripping with exaggerated sympathy.

“No, you’re not,” Michael shot back.   Bailey scrambled, adding, “I had an alcoholic uncle who passed away.”

  “That must suck,” Michael murmured.

  “It does…” Bailey said, trying for a somber tone.

“Uh, we have a project to do,” I reminded them.

  “Right, right,” he said quickly.

  The class was restless, so Bailey switched projects—we were making caramel instead. He handed out sugar cubes and salt.

“This is where the fun begins,” Michael said, grinning with mischief.

  I melted my sugar cube until it glowed a rich orange. It looked delicious, but I kept my composure and showed Bailey the result. He patted my back approvingly.

  Michael burned his cube until it was completely black.   “What in God’s name are you doing, Michael?!” Bailey thundered.

“Making caramel,” Michael answered calmly.

“Coals aren’t edible,” Bailey shot back.

  The bell rang, and we were assigned to read about the laws of thermodynamics for tomorrow.

Oh, Father, please know this stuff…

English Class

  Mrs. Walter taught this one. Sadly, Michael wasn’t in it. Instead, Abel Simmons—a menace—sat behind me.

  He jabbed my back with a pencil. “What the hell, Abel?” I hissed. “Oops,” he said innocently.

  Mrs. Walter asked for the definitions of assonance and consonance. I raised my hand.

  I gave both definitions clearly, and she beamed. Abel muttered “Nerd,” probably out of jealousy.

  When the final bell rang, I bolted from the school.

Home

  I ran home and found my father writing a complaint to his mining company. His letter was stern and painfully justified.

“Papa?” I asked.

“Can’t you see I’m busy?” he snapped.

  I pushed through. “I need help with an assignment.”

  He sighed. “Go on, then.”

  When I told him I needed the laws of thermodynamics, his eyes widened.

  He explained all three laws patiently—entropy, conservation of energy, absolute zero—each one blowing my mind a little more.

  When we finished, I sighed with relief. “Finally.”

  He rubbed his eyes. “Good, because I don’t have the energy for more questions.”

  I decided to rest, too.

  That night, my mother didn’t come to give me her usual goodnight kiss, but strangely, it didn’t bother me.

  I slept like a rock.