The Sound of Gravel: A Memoir

Ruth’s family arrived in Strathmore after her mother drove through the night, and the whole town smelled like oranges. Unlike her home in LeBaron, her grandparents’ home was warm, comfortable, and secure, and they had delicious food. Ruth’s grandpa greeted them with a big smile, and both he and Ruth’s grandma commented on Meri’s beauty. Ruth’s grandma could see that Kathy was tired, and without a word Kathy slumped down on the couch and cried. Ruth was thrilled to be there, but her mother was distraught, and she could not understand why. Ruth’s grandpa seemed equally flustered, unsure of what to say.

The next Monday was Ruth’s first day at her new school, which was right across the street from her home. Unlike her previous walk to school, she did not have to avoid passing cars on the highway, and everything around her seemed new. The school itself was massive from Ruth’s perspective, and her teacher was kind. When the school year ended, Ruth’s mother was told that it would be best for Ruth to repeat the first grade, which was fine with Ruth, who loved her teacher and the idea of her life staying the same for a while.