Heat Wave (3 page)

At last the Blues, Lottie Mims, and Officer McGinnis left their homes altogether. They carried pillows and quilts to the riverbank.

The mayor of Lumberville passed out Popsicles and political flyers. Officer McGinnis played his harmonica. The river whispered. Stars twinkled. The moon cast a soft, silvery light.

Some people fell asleep in their street clothes.
Some in nightshirts.
Some in pajamas.

Lottie Mims lay very still. Abigail Blue tossed and turned. Ralphie Blue snored. Mr. Blue stuck cotton in his ears.

And everyone—
whether in a bed
or on a rooftop
or on a fire escape
or in a tent
or near the river
—everyone...

had the exact same dream.