The Storm

had something there, but you can’t hit 'em all. I never did as a reporter, but you braved the storm and the trip, so put something together, including what you felt about being there. You did good, Zach, and I’m glad you got out of there before this second wave hits. We will run the story of what you have, and I’ll consider this bayou people idea for later. Maybe you could take another run at it when things clear up.” “Yes sir, I would be glad to do that” I responded. “Do you think those folks down there will be okay?” Mr. Fessmyer asked. “You bet, Sir. These people are resilient, tough, and have been fight'n storms for years. They’ll make it just fine, Sir.” “Fight'n, Zach? What happened to your vocabulary, Son. Did you g o native on me, Son?” “No Sir. It’s just a little catchy when you get amongst 'em down there.” Mr. Fessmyer laughed and said, “There you go again, Son. Fight the urge to get swampy on me, okay?” “Yes Sir, I promise.” The boss then leaned back in his chair and looked at me, studying me curiously, like I had changed up a bit. I knew that I had. I could feel it. I spoke up and said, “Boss, there’s one big thing I learned while down there.” “What’s that, Son," he asked. “I learned that a storm has a strange wa y to bring people together. Just like those old men down there that had a history together but didn’t even know that they lived only a few miles apart." "Even people that are different from one another, like me and those guys, are brought together because of these disasters. If it hadn’t been for this storm, we never would have met and connected as human beings. Storms may tear things up, but they can put things and people together as well.” “That’s

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