Curtis has been such a model patient at the mental hospital; he gained privileges to work with the grounds keeper. Regardless of what he has been told, he still wants to join the Marine Corps.
Born in Central California from immigrant parents, Pedro Gutierrez inherited their love for plants. Being the first in his family to obtain a degree in horticulture. After graduation, he applied for the position of assistant groundskeeper at the state hospital. In the years that followed, he rose to head groundskeeper, where Pedro distinguished himself through the beauty of the grounds.
The quarter-mile driveway leading from the county road up to the hospital’s entrance showcased Pedro’s artistry with plants. He even initiated a program that allowed certain patients of the hospital to work with him as part of their therapy. Most of the hospital’s patients who worked with Pedro found work with landscaping companies after being released.
Upon their first meeting Pedro asked “So, Mr. Mathis, why do you want to work with me?”
“I want to get out of that stuffy building and smell the fresh air and feel the heat of the sun on my face.”
Pedro nodded with approval. “Have you ever worked with plants or lawns before?”
“As a teenager, I mowed lawns. Then I’ve also worked on a ranch and done some construction.”
“As part of working with me, you promised not to run away.”
“That’s right.”
“Good, follow me.”
Pedro took Curtis through the tool barn. At the same time explaining to Curtis what tools he would be working with and their use. From there, Pedro led Curtis to the greenhouse. “This is where I start the plants that we will plant later. I am allowed to give my surplus to local churches.
Over the next couple of hours, Pedro highlighted the duties Curtis would be expected to perform. In response Curtis would nod while looking for things he could do that would benefit him.
The tour took a brief stop at a barbecue pit surrounded by several picnic tables.
“If you get visitors on the weekends, you can bring them out here for a picnic.”
Curtis just nodded, for he never had or expected getting any. He changed the subject. “How many acres are there?”
“We have five acres of manicured lawn and another five of native plants. Certain walkways have shrubs and flowers that need grooming.”
The tour of the grounds ended at the tool barn. In it, Pedro had his office. He motioned for Curtis to take the seat beside his desk. “I don’t hold to formalities. You call me Pedro and I will call you Curtis. Do you understand?”
“Yes, I do, Pedro.”
“Just so I can get to know a little more, about you, what are your plans after you leave the hospital?”
“I want to join the Marine Corps and fight in Vietnam.”
“Why the Marine Corps?”
“My father was in the Marine Corps. He died in Korea. I was ten when my uncle took me in and raised me. Considering all the trouble I kept getting myself into, my uncle tried to get me to go into the Marine Corps. I fought it.”
“What has changed your mind?”
“I know I do good with structure. I figure the Marine Corps would be the perfect structure for me.”
“And why Vietnam?”
“I see on the evening news how the Vietnamese people are oppressed by commies. I want to help them to be free.”
“What does your mother say about that?”
“She died shortly after I turned ten. That’s why my dad’s brother and his wife took in.”
“I hate to give you discouraging news, but being in a mental hospital may prevent you from joining the Marine Corps or any other branch of the military.”
Curtis’ face darkened. His eyes lowered like a kid who couldn’t have ice cream after dinner.
“Don’t get depressed,” Pedro said in a tone of encouragement. “I will teach you skills and knowledge that will get you a job for most any landscaping company. If you do a good job for me, I will even write you a letter of recommendation.”
Curtis took a deep sigh. “It looks like I will have to adjust my plans.” Inwardly, he began thinking of ways to prove Pedro wrong.
Pedro glanced at his watch. “It is about time for you to go back inside. Meet me here tomorrow, after you have breakfast.”
Curtis nodded and reluctantly headed back to the security gate.
***
Curtis worked for Pedro during the following six months. Pedro saw Curtis as the best student he had ever had. The doctors would not give Curtis a date for when he could return to Tulare County. As the spring flowers bloomed and the trees grew fresh leaves, Curtis felt restricted in the vastness of the hospital grounds. He started looking for ways to take matters in his own hands.
On one warm, sunny day, Curtis stopped by the tool barn to take his break when he saw Pedro loading a pickup with flowers for a church in Paso Robles. Pedro finished spreading a tarp over the plants, before going into the greenhouse with the truck driver.
Seeing the perfect opportunity, Curtis slid under the tarp.
A couple of hours later, the truck stopped. Curtis peered from under the tarp. Curtis jumped out. He kept a low profile as he made his way down a block and into an alley.
He spotted a backyard with clothes hanging on a clothesline. Not seeing anybody or a dog, Curtis jumped the fence and helped himself to a change of clothes. He left his hospital clothes behind as a trade.
