On a Wednesday too cold to be spring, Alyson Smithy watched as the rain streaked across the train window. Her mother watched her lurch away, but she couldn’t tell the difference between rain and tears. “I’ve always wanted an adventure. Here’s my chance. Although I do wish this weather was better.â€? She mumbled to herself. A little girl sat next to her. The girl’s thumb was stuck firmly in her mouth. “I want my mum.â€? She said.
“Don’t we all?” Alyson whispered unfathomably.
If only her brother were here-he’d find a way to cheer them up-but he was fighting in France. He and her father had been drafted early last month. Well, she thought, at least I have a new book. She looked at the cover. “Alice in Wonderlandâ€? it read. Her father had given it to her last month, but she had not yet had the chance to read it. Restlessly, she drummed on the cover of the book. Alyson didn’t know what to expect; none of them did. The train gained speed, plunging the children into the unknown.