Coreposis

Insert 1, part 1

     Sarah jumped. Orion jumped a few seconds behind her. “What was that?” She asked out of breath. The pounding noise filled their car again. Orion got up, walking over to the door. A frazzled man was standing on the other side. 

     “Sorry to disturb you sir. We are going to have to go up the mountain.”

     Orion waited for the conductor to say more. When he didn’t, “why?” Rolled out of Orion’s mouth. 

      The conductor shuffled his feet. “It’s no secret you’re on this train.” He wrung his hands, “I mean, I could be wrong. Miles of tracks are missing. Track engineers found the mess this morning.”

     “Mess?” Orion asked.

     “Miles of the tracks are just gone.” The conductor restated with frustration. 

     “It’s snowing in the mountains.”

     “I know sir. Would you like for me to order you other transportation?”

      Orion glanced at Sarah, “no. Let’s go.”

     Once the conductor left, she asked, “how long will this extend our trip?” 

     “A week, maybe.” 

     “If you wouldn’t mind, take your herb, order us some snacks and let’s play.” She hummed. 

     “Play?”

     “I picked up a game.” She dashed toward the closet. 

     “Showers, food and games.” He grinned. 

     “Yes.” 

     As they talked, they could feel the train start assenting the mountain.