TWO THOUSAND, ONE hundred and fifty-four people live in my town. Each of them with their own hopes, dreams, and story. The streets may not be bustlin’ with crowds and the buildings may be more run-down shacks than skyscrapers, but we’ve got a community, and it’s stronger than any on the Upper East Side or in Beverly Hills. Everyone here’s still got their troubles, don’t get me wrong. We cry just like the rest of ’em—only we don’t pat our tears dry with an Hermès handkerchief. We use our friends’ shoulders, and I’ll tell you, it’s the most luxurious feeling in the world. Because in my little corner of Louisiana, your friends are your life. Love may come and go, but they’ll be there for you ’til the day you die.