Kelan snapped out of the mind-fog that had gripped him. It was as if he had been slapped in the face. The horn came again, exploding inside his brain. The building trembled. An office door rattled, and a rumbling thunder from a freight train rolled on outside the station.
He got to his feet and rushed to the window. He called for help, again and again. Forty-five seconds later, the sound of the train faded into the distance.
Kelan began to sob. For the first time since his arrival, he realized the gravity of his situation. Still, he could no longer finish what he had started. Mrs. Arbor deserved better than to be dragged across the cold floor and trod upon as a human stepladder. He went to her and closed her eye gently. Wiped his tears away.
The wind shook the building. Kelan sat on the bench and rubbed his arms. He looked to Mrs. Arbor. He would have to find another way.
His eyes widened. It came to him suddenly, and he cursed himself. Why hadn’t he thought of it before?
Kelan sat up straight and put his hands to his temples. He closed his eyes and channeled his will, and when he was ready, flung a thought into the night.