Chapter 9

 

The cabin came into view after only a few minutes of walking with James.

We didn't say much. I couldn't find words. He told me he was from Ohio.

When we arrived at the front of the tiny cabin, James tipped his hat.

"Thank you," I said. I wanted to say more, to ask questions, to save those past few moments forever. Instead, I gripped his shoulder and pulled him into a hug before stepping away. He was a bit taken aback by this, but tipped his hat again in a gentlemanly fashion.

"I'm glad to have helped you, Miss Sophie." He turned and walked away, behind the cabin, beyond my sight. I stood there for a few seconds before giving into the urge to run after him. I took three steps and came face to face with a chain-link fence.

The light poles were back. The street was back. An inch of crisp, fresh snow lay on the ground and full gray clouds swirled above. I dug deep into my coat pocket and pulled out my cell phone.

Full service.