Under the Red Oak

Clara was a godsend. She had to be, for few experienced such talent at 16 years old. The ability of playing the piano required hard work, but she learned quickly and easier than most. From experiences out of her control, she moved from Tupelo to the middle of the Mississippi delta. Though a loving grandmother welcomed her, the move was life changing and difficult for the both of them. The piano she left behind was her first love and when her fingers were on the keys a gentleness and soothing came over her. Her mouth could never speak how her heart felt. Memories of the past plagued her with fear at times as she was now alone, except for her grandparents. Clara became friends with a dark auburn haired young man, who worked on the railroad. He too was from the "hills" and recently moved to the delta. She finds the southern delta people very different from those in Tupelo, but soon steals their hearts.