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“I think you’re lookin’ for trouble,” Jean said, looking worried

“If I am, it’s about time”

“I’ll be here waitin’ when you get back,” Jean said

Nadine walked over to join the?” she said to Jean

Jean nodded “She’s going”

“Well, doll,” Nadine said, “I wish I had your pluck”

Elsa was grateful for the support

She walked out of camp On the main road, the few autoet off to the side By the time she reached the school, she was covered in fine red dust

She brushed as much of the dirt off of her as she could She would not be a coward Chin up, she crossed the lawn and bypassed the office and walked toward the library

There was a sign on the door for the after-school PTA

She opened the door just as the school bell rang and children ran out into the hallway

In the library, books lined every wall; there was a checkout desk, and bright overhead lights A dozen or so wo coffee from china cups Elsa noticed hoell they were dressed—silk stockings, fashionable dresses, s Hair cut and styled At one side of the roo table, draped in white, held trays of cookies and sandwiches and a silver coffee urn

The women turned to stare at Elsa Their conversations stalled and then stopped altogether

Elsa wondered hoas she’d thought a clean flour-sack dress or a bath would help She didn’t belong here How could she have thought otherwise?

No This is America I’m a mother I’m here for my kids