Ryan was young, energetic and the apple of his father’s eye.  They did everything together.  Mr. Fields had grown up poor as the child of migrant workers.  The family followed the crops and Anthony Fields was forced to attend three or four different schools every year.  There were gaps in his education on graduation day, but he was determined to overcome his difficult beginning. 

The week before graduation, Anthony Fields was hired as a custodian at an engineering firm.  He started the job the Monday after graduation.  He was assigned the evening shift, working from 5:00 p.m. until the offices had been cleaned and made ready for the following workday.  On his breaks, Anthony read in the many engineering books in the different offices.

One evening, an engineering team was working late to meet a timeline for a client.  Anthony made it a point to hang around outside the conference room and listen to their conversation as much as possible.  He was surprised that he understood some of the verbiage used among the team.  Eventually one by one, the engineers began to go home, leaving Mr. Trahan alone to complete the project.

Soon Anthony heard Mr. Trahan using language, indicating frustration.  Anthony took a deep breath and entered the conference room. 

I live in a quiet neighborhood where we know and help each other. I was born here, went to school here, graduated, went away to college, and returned to remain in my hometown for the rest of my life. I’m not one of those people who could hardly wait to leave their home and set out into the world on their own. I was content here. I like that I know my neighbors and they know me. Oh yes, there are some drawbacks like even thinking about a clandestine meeting will have the preacher and city council on your doorstep. But for the most part, I was happy and didn't plan to leave. However, last fall things changed for me.

The phone woke me and I turned groggily to look at the clock. It said 1:13 a.m.Who would be calling me at this hour? "Hello?" I said in a daze.

Gladys was looking forward to the vacation.  She was flying to New York to see her daughter and grandchildren.  Her husband was unable to join her and she was furious with him; but he sent her to the airport with his love and gifts for the grandchildren.  After going through security and locating the gate, she walked through the over-priced gift shops and managed to leave without purchasing anything.  As she passed the windows, she noticed the darkening sky.  Inclement weather had been predicted and the possibility of delayed flights had been announced over the airport intercom. 

Gladys walked into one of the restaurants and seated herself at a table in the corner. 

  Kelsey was excited. She had waited a long time for this day. It was the first day of school. She had gathered her school supplies at least a month ago.  She had visited her new classroom several times. 
Once when she was going down the hallway toward the room, the principal told her to stop running.  How
could she explain to him that she was just so excited to be here?  Her mom had made her a special lunch last night and put it in the refrigerator.  Kelsey and her mom had gone shopping to pick out the perfect outfit for this day. Kelsey wanted a red one.  Red like the pictures of old schoolhouses.