The hospital released Pierce the next day. Sara went to retrieve him and brought him a gift. Pierce opened the end of the package and out slid a new walking stick. His expression was humorously solemn. He lifted the stick high as he raised both arms in the air, like a conjurer about to cast a spell. The edges of his hospital gown flapped out like a magician"s cloak. It was good that his gown opened at the back.
Sara drove as Pierce pulled on his seatbelt and leaned eagerly toward the windshield. They headed south through Freeport, the Gateway to the Delta. Tall leafy trees lined Hwy 160 that hugged the foot of the levee. A long row of weathered, wooden single-story buildings lined the road. “Slow down,” he said, pointing ahead. “Just… about here.”
Gateway to the DeltaSara pulled up in fr
