He would leave for Vietnam the same week Sukey got out of the boy's farm. Christmas at Temple was a busy affair. Ever since Thanksgiving we'd been collecting things, prizes and baking and cooking and sewing for the children and older folks, and moms raising children by themselves, and the soldiers and jailbirds, just everyone. We served Christmas dinner at the Temple and Naomi spoke to us after, the big white bird and the black fist rising up on the wall behind her. We pretty much loved or hated that fist but no one felt strongly enough one way or the other. And it did bring Derrick back when he visited Lavinia on holidays. Debra seemed relieved because Tad was due home from the army the end of January. But me, I was popping out of my skin thinking I'd pick Danny up from the airport next day. While Naomi spoke I rubbed my fingers against each other. These very fingers would touch him in less than twenty-four hours. He would be here. He was coming home. Endless letters and phone calls on Sunday.
