Menehune

By Ernest Spencer

In the heartwarming tale of "Menehune," we are introduced to Melvin, a young orphan with an eccentric appearance – his bald, oddly shaped and oversized head sets him apart and leaves him lonely and alone. Despite his physical differences, Melvin possesses an unyielding spirit and a heart brimming with curiosity.

Life takes an unexpected turn when Melvin's path crosses with that of a fearsome pirate ship. Through a series of events leaving him running for his life, Melvin finds himself aboard the very vessel that strikes terror into the hearts of sailors across the seas. It's a twist of fate that will forever alter his destiny.

As Melvin adjusts to life aboard the pirate ship, the enigmatic captain, a grizzled seafarer with a hidden softness beneath his tough exterior, takes a liking to him. The bond between the two grows strong, transcending the boundaries of age and circumstance.

The captain, in his desire to do the right thing for young, innocent Melvin, leaves him at their next stop, on the shores of Tinian. Against a backdrop of turquoise waters and lush landscapes, he encounters the mysteries of a new land. Yet, his arrival in Tinian brings unforeseen challenges, leading him to a mental hospital outside of Honolulu.

Within the walls of the hospital, Melvin's world expands once more as he befriends the compassionate case worker, Faith. With her unwavering support and encouragement, Melvin navigates the complexities of his new environment. The hospital staff, including the Tongan people, become his extended family, offering him the acceptance he's always yearned for.

But it is Melody, another patient within the hospital, who leaves an indelible mark on Melvin's heart. Despite her blindness, or maybe because of it, their friendship blooms amidst shared stories and whispered dreams, transcending the limitations of their circumstances.

Amidst the challenges and triumphs, a theme of love weaves through every chapter of this story. Love that transcends appearances and defies societal norms, love that embraces differences and celebrates individuality. As Melvin's connections deepen and his relationships flourish, he discovers that true family isn't always defined by blood; it's found in the bonds we create with those who see us for who we truly are.

"Menehune" is a poignant exploration of the human experience – a tale of resilience, acceptance, and the transformative power of friendship. Through the eyes of Melvin, readers are invited to look beyond the surface and embrace the beauty of the soul. This heartwarming journey reminds us that in a world often marked by division, the threads of connection and love are what truly bind us together. So set sail on this captivating odyssey and allow the melody of the seas to resonate within your heart.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ernest Spencer
• Release date: Aug 25, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223260257

Ernest Spencer

Ernest Spencer is a Hawaiian born Korean American. Born in the mid 1940’s, he joined the Marine Corps Reserve in 1963. During his second year in college, where he was studying philosophy, he “was overwhelmed by the futility of reason as an effective force in life.” Disillusioned by reason, his life did not make sense to him. He was drawn to the Marine Corps by the sense of belonging. The Corps also offered him the chance to confront life rather than read about it. Spencer states, “I could confront life by going to the edge, or at least what I perceived as the edge: Existence itself.” In 1967, he was sent to lead a line unit (an infantry unit) that is at Khe Sanh, the 1st Battalion, 26th Marine Regiment. There were four rifle companies in this infantry battalion: Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, and Delta. Spencer commanded Delta. He recalls “you have got to understand what it means to a 24-year-old guy who’s macho to be made a commanding officer of a rifle company in combat. He is Jesus Christ himself.” He was also the first Korean American to command a marine rifle company in combat. Since his time in Vietnam, Spencer founded a publishing company. Now, after enjoying retirement, he has founded a non-profit to support education in his beloved Hawaii. He is now writing a historical fiction trilogy and self-narrating his books for the audio book market.  And keeping his softball skills up!

Book preview

CAST OFF

The industrial area adjacent to the harbor was quiet. No one came into view as a small boy with a large bald head made his way down empty streets. No shops. Only warehouses and parked trucks. Melvin had turned thirteen that morning. No birthday party.

I can’t make it here, he realized. There’s no food.

Just ahead, the harbor itself was lit. Nobody else was about at four in the morning. Melvin and Poke, his orange cat, snuck into the terminal with Poke looking on from his perch on Melvin’s shoulder. At a nearby dock, a longline fishing trawler was moored.

What do you think, Poke? The aroma of fish drew Poke to jump down and scamper up the gangway. Wait! Melvin chased after him onto the boat.

Poke ran down the deck towards the stern. Melvin had to climb over things. Poke did not pay him heed. Poke was hungry. To no avail. Melvin heard the engine starting. A cabin door opened and several men came out. Two of the men walked towards them. Poke hissed and backed away. What do we do, Poke?!?

Grab him! one of the men yelled. Melvin froze until the man grabbed him. Instincts are powerful things. Survival is by far the strongest. Melvin had never fought before but it took two grown men to subdue him. They dragged him into a cabin and locked him in a gear box.

Melvin felt the boat get underway. It began rocking up and down when it cleared the harbor. Several hours passed. Melvin saw only darkness, felt the vibration of the engine and knocking of things against metal. The first sound was the latch to the lid. Light shined in as it opened.

Well, well. What do I have here? The face of the man was shadowed by the glare behind him. A hand reached in and jerked Melvin up by the hood of his jacket. A pistol was pointed in Melvin’s face. We don’t play on this boat, boy. You understand? Whoa! The captain noticed that Melvin was not normal and felt sorry for him. The sneer left the man’s face. A smile appeared. A gold tooth glinted. You’ll work for me, boy. You’ll clean my cabin. Check on things. Get me stuff. I’m really a nice man when I get my way.

Melvin noticed an Asian male standing behind the captain. Show the boy around, Eddie, the captain said. Have him bring me a sandwich and coffee.

Okay, Cap, Eddie said. He motioned with his head to Melvin. Let’s go.

Hey boy, the captain called as they were walking away. What do they call you?

Melvin.

You got a last name?

No.

The captain laughed aloud at Melvin’s answer.

Eddie took Melvin down a ladder to the lower deck saying nothing until they passed a cabin. Don’t you ever go in there, boy. Do you hear? Melvin wondered who or what lay behind the door. When Eddie finished showing Melvin around they went to the galley and dining room.

You want something? Eddie asked.

Did you see my cat?

The captain don’t like cats, boy. Eddie made two sandwiches. I’ll keep one here for you. Take this sandwich and coffee to the captain.

Melvin knocked on the door.

Enter! a loud, harsh voice answered. When Melvin entered, the captain had his back to him. He had a map on his desk. Wanna see where we’re heading, boy?

I don’t know what you mean by ‘heading’ but I have your food and coffee.

Put the food over there, then come here and let me show you.

Melvin complied.

Ever see one of these before, boy? A large map of the Pacific lay on the desktop.

No.

This here is a map. It’s like a picture of the world. We’re right here now. He pointed to the Hawaiian Islands. And we’re going all the way there, pointing as he said, to the northern islands of the Philippines.

I don’t see anything but a blue piece of paper. I don’t know where the Philippines is. I don’t know too much captain. I’m sorry.

A different look came over the captain. Melvin’s innocence and honesty stood out so clearly. How old are you, Melvin?

I think I’m thirteen. 

You ever been to school?

No.

Me either. You wanna learn from me?

Sure.

What would you like to know first?

Captain, why don’t you like cats?

What? Who told you? Must have been Eddie. After a moment, he calmed down. I’ve always been scared of ’em. It’s just a thing I got. I dunno.

I can teach you not to be afraid of cats. You can teach me about going to the Philippines.

You got a cat on this boat?

Yes. He just was looking for food. We got found. We didn’t mean to come onto your boat.

Melvin, you ever heard the saying about being in the wrong place at the wrong time?

No.

You know what I’m talking about?

No.

This is going to be a challenge. But I’m up for it if you are. Okay?

Will you let my cat stay?

Just make sure he stays away from me.

I promise I’ll do my best. Poke is nice.

Poke, huh? I like eating poke, the captain laughed.

Poke is all I got, Captain.

Whoa! Melvin, I was just kidding. Come here. Melvin moved to him with his head down. Look at me. Melvin looked up. The captain took a sip of coffee. Perhaps Melvin’s appearance played a part. Whatever it was, Melvin had a profound effect on the cruel man’s psyche. After Melvin left, the captain sat stunned. Compassion flowed into his heart like a warm summer breeze.

Melvin marveled at the sunrise and especially the sunsets. The morning sunrise could portent the day. Red skies in morning, sailors take warning. Red skies at night, sailors delight. He learned what direction is and how to read a map. Their westward journey at 12 knots did not seem slow. He loved this life.

The sailors were a strange looking mix of misfits. Eddie told Melvin to stay away from them. They ignored him for the most part. They knew he was the captain’s pet. Poke kept his distance, too. He never openly walked about like Melvin.

What’s the matter, Poke? Why are you always hiding, huh? It’s safe here. A hiss and snarl was Poke’s reply.

The boat never fished but instead acted as if it did. It would let out the fishing lines, but not baited hooks. Melvin was on the bridge one morning with the captain when they let out the fishing lines. Why don’t you catch any fish?

Melvin’s innocent question set off the captain. His laughter filled the air in the bridge and spilled out onto the deck below. The men working the lines looked up and saw the captain come out holding his sides, laughing. Come here, Melvin, he called out. Come here.

Melvin stepped out.

We’re all pirates, boy, he said, pointing at the men. Do you know who pirates are?

I thought they were just pretend. The men let out a cheer at Melvin’s answer.

After a month of this pretending, they stopped at Majuro, the seat of government for the Marshall Islands. This narrow horseshoe of an atoll had an airport. Their boat was refueled but not resupplied.

All this town has that’s fresh is fish, Eddie said as he lopped the head off one. He was preparing the usual evening meal of fish and rice.

I like fish, Melvin said. Poke does, too.

Well, me and the guys would rather eat meat or chicken. Poke walked in on their conversation and meowed. Eddie tossed him the fish head. Poke took the offering in his mouth and ran out.

That night, two men came on board and went straight to the captain’s cabin. Melvin brought them sandwiches, rice, and fried fish. Melvin knew the captain did not like fish. The men looked like Pacific Islanders. One was skinny and had a thin goatee. The other was older, short, and fat.

The meeting lasted several hours. Melvin could hear them talking, even shouting at times. His tiny cabin was situated next to the captain’s. Only a thin wall separated them. Melvin heard them leave and go below for several minutes. When they returned to the captain’s cabin, they argued for several minutes more. They left shouting obscenities at the captain. Melvin heard the captain phone the bridge and yell. Get us underway! Alert the guys.

The boat rumbled to life. In less than an hour they headed back out to sea. Melvin had been learning the basics of navigation. He took the helm while standing on a stool.

Go to a heading of 306 degrees northwest.

Aye, aye, Captain Melvin replied. Heading 306 degrees northwest.

Good. Hold it steady as we go.

Aye, aye, sir. A big smile shone on Melvin’s face.

Five days later, it was early afternoon when they reached Bikini Island.

How come all the places around here have lagoons? Melvin and the captain were at the bow as they entered the atoll.

Cause that’s all that’s left of the Mariana Islands. They’re all washing away. The captain pointed at the lushness of the place. It’s green on this one because people don’t live here.

How come?

Because they set off a big atomic bomb here.

Why?

To test it. They wanted somewhere far away from everybody.

Didn’t people live here?

The captain looked over at Melvin and shook his head. Boy, you amaze me. I wish I could have been you when I was young.

Why would anyone want to be me?

"I’d give anything to change places with you, Melvin. Knowing what I do now, I would in