Gemma Jackson narrates her complex relationship with her father, Zachary, detailing the challenging dynamics shaped by his military past and struggle with alcoholism. Through a series of childhood vignettes, she illustrates how her father's rigid teachings and unpredictable behavior influenced her formative years. This narrative uncovers the layers of tension and familial bonds shaped under Zachary's authoritative presence.

Early Life at Fort Niagara

The story opens at Fort Niagara, where Gemma's father served as an air defense officer. In one poignant memory, a twelve-year-old Gemma waits at home with her mother and grandmother. They had prepared lunch, but her father’s tardiness leaves it uneaten and spoiling. The atmosphere is charged with unspoken tension between the adults, a nuance Gemma senses but doesn't fully grasp. When Zachary eventually arrives, the meal morphs into another session of his life lessons; this time, he lectures Gemma on the nuances of proper speaking etiquette, a lesson enforced despite her mother’s quiet protests.

Lessons in Manila

Gemma recalls a vivid lesson from her earlier years when the family lived in Manila. Despite an impending typhoon, her father drilled her on the military alphabet, beginning with words like "Able," "Baker," "Charlie," and "Dog." Her father’s determination to teach Gemma was evident, but so was the underlying discord with her mother, a tension Gemma narrates without additional commentary.

Adjustments in the United States

Upon the family's return to the United States, the lessons from her father continued unabated. He would engage her in discussions on topics that seemed perplexing at the time, but in hindsight, Gemma recognizes them as reflections of his diverse interests. Ironically, during his assignments to distant locations, Gemma found herself unable to write to him, highlighting how much she missed his presence.

The Allure of Fort Niagara

As Gemma revisits her experiences at twelve, she describes Fort Niagara's majestic landscape, which even charmed her grandmother, despite her disdain for her son-in-law. Zachary took the opportunity to educate Gemma about the fort's historical importance. The pinnacle of his assignment was a family trip to Niagara Falls, where Gemma was captivated by the natural wonder. Her father enriched the visit with tales of adventurers who had dared to traverse the falls in various contraptions, adding a layer of intrigue to the experience.

Adolescence and Family Tensions

Gemma shifts the narrative to her personal struggles with puberty, a phase marked by fear and embarrassment. Her sudden physical changes led her to erroneously believe she had cancer, but her mother reassured her, explaining the naturalness of her development. Relieved, Gemma’s night is interrupted by an argument she overhears between her parents, with her grandmother urging her mother to leave Zachary, who had grown belligerent. The fight seems rooted in Zachary's struggle with alcohol, as Gemma discerns the dispute revolves around a bottle of scotch. Her intervention calms the situation temporarily, but later that night, she watches her father venture out and follow him to the river, where she implores him to return from the icy brink.

Life After the Military

Despite the dramatic incidents, Zachary emerges physically unscathed, but soon faces another setback. Passed over for promotion, he’s compelled to leave the military and starts anew in the hardware business in Ohio. His curiosity and eagerness to learn help him thrive in his new career, but the familial tensions persist throughout Gemma's high school years. Zachary's lessons continue, and even as Gemma ventures to college, her father maintains contact, sharing his insights over the phone.

Final Lessons

During Gemma's pursuit of a master’s degree, she is summoned back home to be beside her father in his final days. Standing by Zachary's grave, she contemplates the legacy of wisdom he left her, realizing the profound impact of his teachings as she moves forward into adulthood.