The Ever After

Chapter Thirty-Two: The Train Headed North

THAT NIGHT MAY SCRATCHED UNDER SOMBER Kitty's chin, his favorite spot, and watched the stars zoom above as the long black train sped its way across the desert. Already May could feel just the slightest coolness in the air, as if the North had breathed a colder breath onto the sand. The landscape had begun to change-the elevation had gotten higher, and a few tiny, skinny trees had popped up here and there. May had never been so glad to see a few scrawny bushes. They reminded her of home. May hugged Kitty closer to her heart, feeling his warmth.

The others had gone to sleep hours ago, and behind her, Captain Fabbio let out a loud snore. Beatrice had snuggled into the crook of his arm. Even Somber Kitty purred dreamily.

"Hi," Pumpkin said, crawling up beside her and sitting cross-legged.

"Hi," May said, feeling a lump rise in her throat at the thought of Pumpkin's bravery. He had risked his life to save her. And he was here now. On this train.

"So I wonder what it's like up there," Pumpkin said, nibbling lightly on a finger.

They both knew the North was unknown and dangerous. They didn't have to say it.

"I wonder what she wants from you." Pumpkin pulled his knees in tight.

May shrugged. She had told Bea and Fabbio about the Lady of North Farm. It had just seemed right. She wondered too.

"Do you think she'll be angry with you?"

"I don't know. I don't know anything about her, really. But I guess it doesn't matter. I don't seem to have a choice." She breathed in the night air. "The Undertaker said I wouldn't."

Pumpkin surveyed May with his droopy eyes. "You look worried."

May smiled, brushing a small tear from her eye.

"Nah. Not about that. I was thinking of my mom. She doesn't have me or Kitty now."

Pumpkin thought for a few moments. "You'll find your way back. We'll make sure."

Actually, May had been thinking of something her mom had said. About how you didn't make friends but let them happen. May wanted to repeat this to Pumpkin, who had happened to her most of all, but she was too shy. Instead she said, "I know we will."

Pumpkin smiled. They looked back at Beatrice and Fabbio. May stroked Somber Kitty, who didn't look somber at all at the moment. "He is pure goodness, you know."

They didn't say any more. And for hours they were content to watch the Ever After go by in the dark.