Ch1, Par. 7 & 8

On the drive home, Lava thought about her first day. “Not bad” she thought. She had listened to a very controversial meeting regarding the City Budget, which included salaries for the city employees. The City employees had requested a 5% pay raise, and the Council was only willing to consider 3%. This would not effect Lava in anyway, since she only planned to be there temporarily. Lava drove down Main Street, crossed the bridge over the main highway and headed for home. When she reached Hillside Drive, she was reluctant to turn down her street, she shuttered at the thought of going home, to her empty house, again. Lava continued to drive, passed her street, and headed towards the grocery store. Lava found a parking place close to the front of the small town grocery store, whipped in, and turned off her engine. She sat for a moment, thinking about her evening, realizing it was one more she would spend alone, at home, and wondering what in the world she could do to make her life more interesting. After a few minutes, she stepped out of the car, closed the door behind her, pushed the “lock” button on her key chain, and headed inside. Lava always walked with a confident stride, held her head high, and smiled at everyone she passed by. It was her way of saying to the world “I will survive”…which was also her favorite song. Lava approached the door and was greeted by a tall gangly looking young man who smiled and said “Hi Lava, how are you?” Lava smiled, and replied “I’m good Stevie, how’s your mom?”

Stevie had worked a the local grocery store as long as Lava could remember, he had been there when she moved to Hebron, and, it seemed, he would always be there. He was a sacker, and was very proud of being emplyed at Douglas’ Grocery Store. He often explained to Lava tha the had worked there for 13 years, longer than any other employee and that he planned to work there another twenty years. Lava was always kind to Stevie, he was not your average guy, and some said he was “mentally challenged”, although they didn’t always use those words. Stevie was different, but he was kind, very gentle, a hard worker, and longed to be accepted in life.