NIGEL

[smile]

I look at my watch for what has to be the tenth time in five minutes. Ken isn’t here! I pace back and forth, creating an indent in the dirt. The sun is starting to set! I groan. This area is very dangerous at night, it’s one of the reasons we chose it, because of all the wildlife that browses this area. No one ever goes over here. I’m about to give up when I hear the familiar rumble of a train traveling over the tracks. I smile with relief. He’s here!

The train comes to a complete stop right in front of me. Ken nearly jumps from his seat to greet me.

“I’m so sorry to keep you waiting! I’m on the brink of waking Lizzie!” he sounds out of breath.

“So, you still have it?” I ask with wonder. He nods with excitement.

“Do they know?” I ask grimly.

“No, they need to figure it out for themselves, like we did.” He says with authority. I nod in understanding.

“Now, up you go. We don’t want to keep the children waiting!” He says as if he’s a schoolboy.

I silently obey. I sit back, excited for this new life.