The leaves on the pin oak and sycamore trees had begun to turn lovely shades of dark red and yellow. Mixed in with some of the still green vegetation, the colors were a beautiful blend of nature's best early fall redecoration. Bright sunshine spilled over the lovely landscaped little downtown of Beau Chene. Typical for southern Louisiana, late September had begun to foreshadow the splendor of the change of seasons; not just from the change in the leaves, but by the cooler nights. The temperature dropped only by as little as five or ten degrees, but drop it did. Just as she had done as a little girl when deep in thought or troubled, Savannah absent-mindedly twisted a thick lock of her hair. Her return home had much smoother than she had hoped, but she felt restless and uneasy. The conflict over the Big River plant loomed on the horizon like dark storm clouds. She knew there was no easy way it could be settled, no compromise available. No matter the outcome, there was sure to be bitter feelings.
