During the Great Depression, Rachel felt lucky to be teaching school in Oklahoma. She was eager to start her second year as soon as summer ended. She tried to think positive. She was one of the lucky few to have a job even though she was sadden by the circumstances everyone in the United States faced. Travelers were on the road going from place to place, looking for work. Migrants were hopping on and off trains and camping in a grove of trees near Rachel's house. She felt nervous when they knocked on her door asking for a handout. The bright moment that summer was when her friend, Mary, came to visit for two weeks. The confusing times were when the good-looking sheriff showed up, using the excuse he wanted to keep Rachel safe or ask her out on a date. The sad times were how life ended
violently for discouraged people that were Rachel's neighbors. What worried Rachel most was how to cope with the appearance of UNINVITED VISITORS.