Page 2 (2/2)

It kinda wasn’t

Suze knows me better than anyone, and always told me she’d be there if I needed her every time I told her I was fine

I really thought it was all behind ain

But it is over You’re going hoet up and dust yourself off

I dry my eyes with the sandpaper they pass as toilet tissue and blowa little better I head back to our rail car

Mom is still there with a far off look as I come back

“You okay sweetie?” she asks, her eyes full of concern

“I’ll be alright Where’s Suze?” I ask, sniffing as it registers I can’t hide the fact I was crying

“She’s in the bathroo her mouth as she jerks her thumb in the opposite direction I just came from

“What’s wrong with that?” I ask confused

“Nothing,” Mom says “Now tell me what upset you, was it Suzanna, just now?” she insists “I’ with you the whole way hoether,” she reminds me

Moain withSuze and I have our home all to ourselves

“Nothing,” I fib “Justpast her as I hear Suzanna co up with each step she takes

Like a chipmunk on helium

“What is it?” I ask, alrips onto my arm with both of her hands

“Your turn next, Natasha I don’t care about the rules… it’s gotta be a dare!” she squeaks, digging intoshe’s lost her mind

“Fine,” I huff, pulling my arm back

“Dare,” I tell her defiantly

Do your worst

Chapter Two

Michael

Why the train?

I ask otabout the train that seems different