Fran sat, trying not to get impatient, while they fussed over her. Finally, when she was dressed to everyone’s satisfaction, they started out as a group, clustered so she walked in the middle.
Behind the community center, the men had erected a juniper pole ramada which they covered with tarps and blankets. There they waited, youths to grizzled contemporaries of Willie, all attention as they watching the women approach. Willie reigned over the proceedings, clearly enjoying ordering everyone around and making sure everything was arranged correctly.
When the group of women reached the ramada, they opened a pathway for Fran. At the same time, the men separated to let Ben walk out of their group. They met in front of Willie and knelt as he instructed, side by side.
Fran stole a quick look at
