Collecting them began as a game, but the treasures became more than toys. Grandma spent hours telling me the history of each until I knew the stories by heart. My whole life was wrapped up in the gifts. Grandma called it heritage. Armed with a telephone directory I got to work.
People only pass through Morristown.
By quarter after four I'd eliminated all but two names, both at the old end of town. I decided to get some fresh air and visit the people in person. After a straight no at the first house I headed for the last, an old place set far back in the trees. In full view, a small girl sat at Grandma's table. The girl of about five slid from the chair and felt her way carefully around the table, and that's when I saw she wore a leg brace.