Return to Sender

In “Farm for the Lost and Found,” Tyler’s town is in the midst of a cold, long winter. The annual town meeting approaches on March 7, at which community members raise issues and vote on matters of interest. Tyler’s birthday follows on March 8. Mr. Bicknell assigns attendance at the meeting and a report on its events. In the car on the way, Tyler mentions that the 4-H trip to Washington, DC, is the only birthday present he wants, but Mom tells him it costs too much this year. Mr. Bicknell asks Tyler at the last second to carry in the flag and lead the gathering in the Pledge of Allegiance at the meeting. Stopping in the bathroom before he processes into the hall, Tyler finds a roll of more than $860 in cash. He thinks he will turn it in but does not do so immediately.

Mr. Rossetti, an older, cranky town resident, attempts to raise the issue of Mexican workers in the area. He threatens to name those who are guilty of hiring Mexicans. Tyler is nervous that the old man will publicly call out the Paquettes. Mr. Rossetti proposes action formally: “So I want to put a motion forward that says anyone who’s not here legally needs to be rounded up” (189).