Ehrich is a writer and computer consultant, managing large-scale database implementations. N.C. Abdul walks with my son and me to the TNT Market to buy sugar for the lemonade. Abdul has nothing. My son's pockets are empty. The store owner shakes his head when I extend an ATM card.
Men stand aside to let women go through the serving line first.
One young woman takes a second tray for her mother, who is too crippled to stand in line. Another woman, who dresses and carries herself like a young professional, brings her son to the line. My wife has made macaroni and cheese for the kids. But this boy of about 8 says he'd just as soon have green beans. The first men in line seem to be longtime residents who know the system and have their possessions arranged neatly on nearby bunk beds.