Chapter 95: His Father's Fault

I look out the back of the caboose, feet dangling from the step, and smile at Duet who waves at me from the front seat of the SUV. She's following us closely, the rails making a much better path for the truck than the damaged roadways. Poppy perches beside her, the two puppies bounding around inside the cab and a flash of old fear hits me. She needs to be wearing a seat belt! And the puppies should be harnessed. Then my anxiety fades and I laugh.

There are more dangerous things in this world. Let them have their fun.

The sounds of country music drift forward as Poppy and Duet sing as loudly as they can through the open windows. I laugh at their antics, then hug myself as we pass a sign, falling sideways on itself, turned back to face me, faded letters clear enough as they fade into the distance.

New York City. We're close, very close. We've made it, despite the odds.

Now what, Trio?