A low rumble was making its way over the easterly hills.
josh
From their peaks emerged a train delicately dancing along the rough topography, losing the race against the first rays of morning.
As it gathered speed Seth tightened the scarf around his neck, preparing his body for flight.
Then, that familiar step behind him.
“Mads, you came.”
The briefest of silences.
“It’s not Madeline, it’s her Mother.” Seth tensed. “I found your letter.”
The ending he had feared most.
As the train pulled into the station, Seth turned and caught Mother’s eye. As stern as he’d expected.
“The baby?”
“No longer your concern.”
Announcements, beeps, a wounded departure.
Mother’s devilish grin.