First, we have to leave St. Louis. The drive through the city, to its edge is familiar enough. I’ve known where this edge was my whole life. I’ve seen it plenty of times. I’ve never crossed it, though. There’s something strange about crossing it. I’m leaving the only city I’ve ever known, and now I’m farther from home than I’ve ever been.

“So,” I say, as I watch my home disappear behind me, “what is Springwater like?”

“You already know a ...