Their Competition

At the end of the book, after being in a long fight, Rowdy and Arnold repair their lost friendship. At the beginning of the scene, Rowdy goes over to Arnold's house, essentially ready to call a truce, because he wants to play basketball with his old friend. Gladly, Arnold accepts the invitation and the two head outside to play.

While they are playing, Arnold re-invites Rowdy to come to school with him at Reardan the following year. Though Rowdy declines, he explains to Arnold that he always knew Arnold would be the one to leave the reservation. He even had a dream about Arnold at the Great Wall of China looking happy. When Rowdy had that dream, despite his toughness and competitive side, he was happy for Arnold. And, in a way, the Great Wall represented Reardan. Arnold had gotten to a place that is in a very different community, still managing to enjoy it and be happy, while Rowdy was on the outside looking in.

Then, while the two friends are playing basketball, just like the old times, the novel ends. "We didn't keep score. (Alexie, 230)" were the final words of the book. This statement made me think about the whole story and how everything was, essentially, always a competition: Rowdy against Arnold. Whether it was the basketball games, switching schools, or the fighting, the two were always in a disagreeing and against each other. But, at the end of the book, when the boys are just playing their favorite game together, their whole competition vanishes. The two finally realize that life doesn't have to be a competition with a winner or a loser. But more importantly, they realize that, while they have many similarities and differences, they will always be best friends who enjoy being together.

--Sophia