The town of Wausa, Nebraska was not unlike other little towns that had sprung

up to welcome the pioneers. It was a mix of old and new buildings with wood
plank sidewalks and a wide main street of dirt to accommodate trains of oxen. In
one of the newer buildings was the general store. Guarding the door was a
wooden Indian and next to it hung a bird cage. The family stopped for a moment
to look at the yellow bird inside.

When they stepped into the store it was a universe all its own. There was the
scent of wood and soap and spice. The walls were lined with racks of crates and
mason jars, and along the aisles were bushel barrels of potatoes and apples. In
the back neatly propped against the wall were bolts of fabric. While her brother
and sister explored the store and her parents spoke with the grocer about their
bread and onions, Rachel wandered back outside to look at the bird.