The Story of Tom Brennan: Chapter Eight Summary & Analysis

On the day of rugby tryouts, Brendan drives Tom and Kylie to school. He teases Kylie as she puts black eyeliner on and then turns to Tom and suggests that he join him on morning runs. Tom is noncommittal, especially when Brendan says he runs up "the ascent." Tom explains that this is a steep mountain about a kilometer away from Gran's place. They used to go up in the truck for picnics as kids, and the truck would inevitably die before reaching the top. Daniel, who hated hills, would whine the entire way. This is also why the hill in Mumbilli was known as "Daniel's Whine"; Daniel would refuse to walk up after school and instead, Mum would pick him up at the bottom.

On the way home from tryouts, Dad tries to talk positively and enthusiastically about the players. Tom believes Dad is faking it; the players are awful. He thinks that in Coghill, rugby will fill the time but do nothing else for him. Dad says that Rory, who plays five-eight, will be a great partner for Tom (their positions rely on each other). Tom says that he'd like to see Daniel this weekend, and Dad agrees.

Tom is exhausted. Gran bustles around the kitchen as Tom rubs his calves, thinking he really is unfit. Gran calls for dinner and nobody comes. She goes down the hall to investigate and returns, saying that Dad will eat later with Mum and that Kylie is out with Brianna. She serves up soggy meatloaf and Tom stirs it around, thinking that Kylie is certainly up to something. Gran sits down and lets out a little cough. Tom decides that stirring his meatloaf was rude, but reasons that at least he's at the table. As he lifts the fork, Gran asks if he forgot something. Tom mumbles an apology and, in a whisper, Gran asks if he'd say grace.