The sun never shone through the little window, but sometimes the light was gray and I knew it was daytime. Other times it was black and I knew it was night. But mostly day and night ran together in a blur of fever dreams.Athena came and went, bringing me food and her swamp water concoctions. Slowly I got stronger. First I could sit up, then I could totter around. I was like a baby learning how to do things all over again.One morning I decided I was strong enough to go upstairs and see if Athena might let me start hunting for Perry. The more time went by, the less chance I had of finding him. I waited till I was sure the judge had left for the courthouse, and then I tiptoed up the steps. My legs shook a little, but I figured they'd bear my weight. Fresh air would do me good, too. At the top of the stairs I stopped and listened. I could hear Athena laughing and talking with a man, his deep voice rumbling. I peered through the doorway to see who was with her. A young Negro man sat at the kitchen table, drinking coffee.
