“The Tet Offensive was put into action by the North Vietnamese on the lunar New Year, January 30, 1968. The North Vietnamese attacked over thirty of South Vietnam’s provinces and caught the South Vietnamese off guard. U.S. troops were also unprepared.”

Luckily, Luke didn’t get over there until after the battle.

“The drawn out battle of Khe Sanh was also in late January of 1968 and took quite a toll on U.S. Marine troops. Many were injured and others killed. Morale here in the United States dropped. Americans were becoming unhappy with the war.”

If Madison had been here, she would have automatically tried to locate Khe Sanh on her map. The battle was situated in the northwest mountainous area of Vietnam. Air was the only way in, isolating the Marines.

“Continual rallies and demonstrations were made against President Lyndon B. Johnson and his cabinet members for their policies in Vietnam. The Democratic Party was divided. Senators Robert Kennedy and Eugene McCarthy, both, challenged President Johnson in the early months of 1968 for the Democratic nomination.”

“Amen! I hope we don’t get more of the same after President Johnson. Anyone would be better than him!”

Startled by Madison’s voice, Jorden pivoted to face her. “You’re so late. Are you okay?”

“I’m fine. We had an unexpected faculty meeting which went way too long. There are problems on the playground. The principal wants to set up new rules no one likes. You’re lucky you don’t have to worry about such things with junior high kids.”

“You had me worried.”

“Oh, I’m good.” Madison slipped off her shoes. “Now we need to worry about dropping off our rent checks. I can’t believe they raised the rent to one hundred twenty-five dollars a month. Last year, I just paid one hundred dollars. You’ll need to make your check out for sixty-two dollars and fifty cents. Don’t forget to date it the first of November.”

“I’ve already made it out.” Money was tight for Jorden. She had signed her first year teaching contract for $5,800. The agreement covered nine months of work but she chose to spread it over twelve payments. Her monthly paycheck after deductions amounted to $374.50.

Madison continued to complain. “Can you believe gas is now thirty-six cents a gallon? It was only thirty cents six months ago.”

“Let’s drown our woes in cheeseburgers and french-fries,” Jorden announced with a laugh.

Madison threw up her arms. “Let’s do it!”

Chapter 22: January 1970

Chapter 22

January 1970

The plane touched down in Atlanta. The flight to Chicago was on time. Jorden walked past a number of gates and became confused when she looked up and saw Gate 15. She had gone too far. Without thinking, she back-tracked to Gate 12 and spotted an empty seat.

Forty minutes later, a voice from the loud speaker boomed out, “Boarding will begin for Chicago.”