An unfortunate situation in which Thom thinks he’s been caught looking at not just superheros but gay superheros on the internet! His dad comes home and suddenly comes asking for the computer. It’s an odd twist in the plot but we also begin to piece together the reasons that Thom’s dad is special and not well received. But he’s forbidden to follow superheros due to his father status as former superhero. This ties into his fascination with superheros. He looks at muscle-bound guys and we are introduced into his interior thoughts of this young man. Thom goes home and in his depression he turns to online porn - and indulging his fantasies. Thom tells the coach he’d might be dead in a year and warns him to see a cardiologist. Thom is furious but his only reaction is to use a skill he barely knew that he had - his ability to see the future. The coach approaches him and asks him to drop to the junior squad even though he’s the best player.

This is almost worse than the health considerations as his coach reacts with disdain. Also, it’s insinuated that he’s gay outside the gym and this gets back to the coach. Suddenly, Thom develops a medical issue that results in unusual seizures, however. A huge came ends in brawl after Thom makes a heroic effort to score against the team. The teams arch nemesis - The Trojans - are much feared and the games are almost violent. He sits in the upper bleachers and talks to few. There’s something unusual about his father and people in the community are either afraid or hostile toward him. The teen plays basketball and is center forward. Plot Summary - Thom lives with his mercurial father who comes to all his basketball games.

Hero by Perry Moore