Part 37 (1/2)

Leah took the dogs Out for some exercise, but they'll be back

any minute. And there are some snacks in there too.”

”Michael seems nice,” commented Audrey as she

returned to peeling potatoes.

”Yes, he seems very sincere. It's too bad about the climate

adjustment. That must be a shock to him.”

”That won't be his only adjustment,” said Audrey as she

plunked a potato into the pot.

”Well, I'm sure he'll have some culture shock too. But he

seems like such a happy person, I'm sure he'll adapt

quickly.”

”I'm not talking about culture shock either, honey. Have

you noticed that we have no blacks living in Pine Moun-

tain?”

Maggie stopped chopping nuts for a moment and con-

sidered this. ”Now that you mention it.. although I've seen

African-American tourists in town-”

”That's not quite the same. Don't you think this could be

a little hard on Michael?”

”I don't know why it should be any harder for him than

it is for Jed~r Rosa-for that matter. They're both in a

minority.”

”And you know they both suffer for it occasionally. But

I suspect it could be even worse for Michael. I mean, let's not

be naive-this town has its share, or even more than its 64 ~ Melody Carlson

share, of bigots tucked here and there. Remember that