Chapter 43

While Meril gives directions to his house, I sit watching the girl from the bus. Her brother is watching her as she plays with puppets. I watch the little boy giggle and point. I don’t realize that I’m smiling with tears, until I feel Derek's hand gently squeeze mine.

"Mary Anne?" I hear Meril say.

I shake my head and look back towards him. "I'm sorry. What were you saying?"

Derek looks in the direction that I’m looking at out of the corner of my eye. He glances at me before returning to the conversation.

"We were talking about how we have to fix them." Derek states.

"I think that you should fix it in my garage. I have all the necessary parts for the machines."

"Why can't we fix the portables?" Derek asks.

"Because those only get you back. They don't send you anywhere. They’re like a portable home beacon."

"Back to where?" I ask.

"You're last destination."

"Okay. Will I be able to understand the instructions?"

"If you don't, Bernie will."