Mud2012

Ellis:
The girl you're waitin' on, she's your girlfriend?

Mud:
Juniper. Yeah.

Elis:
How'd you meet her?

Mud:
We grew up together.

Ellis:
Do you love her?

Mud:
I do. The first time I saw her was on this river. Just up from here. She saved my life.

Ellis:
From the snake bite.

Mud:
That's right. I was younger than you are now, but when I came to in the hospital and she was there, it was like the world split open, came back together new. Everything changed. I knew from then on I'd do anything for her.

Ellis:
Why aren't ya'll married?

Mud:
I've asked. Several times. Marriage just doesn't work for some people.

Ellis:
My dad says my parents may be gettin' a divorce.

Mud:
I'm sorry to hear that.

Ellis:
If it happens, and my mom moves us off the river, they say the government can come take our boat away.

Mud:
Who says that?

Ellis:
Everybody. They passed a law so you can't sell your boat. Can't rent it. If the owner leaves, they got you. Game and Fish want 'em off the river.

Mud:
I've never been one to trust the government on matters of personal property, but if your parents love each other, there's always a chance.