After reading Drake's request I remembered this one. I think it was one story but I'm unsure. First Slice: M/C was in army, served in Panama. Best friend/roomie is Japanese and teaches him the language. Friend dies in action. M/C later marries BF's sister. Second slice: M/C lives in west/central Mass. Mom's a teacher at private school. He plays and later coaches hockey. Becomes an ambulance paramedic.