Chapter 3
Emily had never wanted to not be somewhere as badly as she didn’t want to be on the train. The train ride seemed endless, and every time she thought that Little Hope would be next, a different stop had been announced instead.
She had tried to ask the train attendant, but he just shrugged and said it would be awhile.
She felt like she would never be able to breathe fresh air again.
Because she hadn’t been able to afford much, she was in third class, and it seemed like there was an endless stream of folk coming through, families and single travelers, farmers and mother-in-laws, loud children and old men who seemed like they had no particular destination in mind.
Emily spent a lot of time staring out the window and thinking of the life she had left behind. She felt heartbroken when she thought of the way she left and the reason she was traveling.
A good part of her also didn’t believe it. She was half convinced, or perhaps she just wanted to believe, that she would step off the train and find Daniel’s new home and him safe and well. In her mind’s eye, he would apologize and then they would make up for lost time.
The other part of Emily’s heart knew that it wasn’t likely she would find her dream waiting for her. When her parents had died, she accepted that bad things happened and there was no reason for them. She didn’t understand God’s will, but she accepted it, even if it tore at her.
“Next stop, Little Hope. About 2 hours folks. Little Hope. It’s a quick stop, be ready.”
Emily sat up, her mind swimming. She was so sleep deprived that it almost felt like a dream. Could they really be finally here?
As if on cue, lightning flashed outside and then the thunder boomed. Before Emily could even straighten her hat, the rain started to come down.
She tried to undo the knots that had developed in her hair as she watched the rain get steadily heavier. The sky turned so dark that it seemed like it was the middle of the night.
“My goodness,” said the woman sitting next to her. “I’m glad that I'm on this train for another day. Wouldn’t want to get off on this.”
“Unfortunately, I am,” Emily said. “Although I think that I have another couple of hours.”
“Oh dearies,” the woman said. “I’m from these parts. Storms like this will last all day.”
“Wonderful”, Emily said.
“Are you traveling with your family?” the woman asked.
“Uh…to see my brother,” Emily replied. She couldn’t bring herself to tell the truth, especially to a stranger. Saying the words was still too painful.
“Oh, how lovely,” the woman said. “How long has it been since you saw him?”
“Quite a while,” Emily answered. “He’s uh…he owns a ranch in Little Hope.”
“He must be very successful,” she said. “To own a whole ranch.”
“Yes,” Emily said. “Yes, I…am very proud of him.”
Despite her best efforts, a tear slipped down her face. She wiped it away quickly, but the woman saw it.
“Oh dear, there’s no reason to cry,” she said. “I’m sure your brother will take you in.”
“Huh?” Emily asked, surprised.
“Well, aren’t you going to see him to ask for help?” the woman asked. “I see so many young women who need to go west after their lives in the east have failed. Don’t worry, your brother will help you find a husband and you will be nice and settled before you know it.”
Emily inhaled sharply, pressing her fingertips to her eyes. The idea that she was here for a new life with a bright future was jarring.
“Oh dear, have I upset you?” the woman asked. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean--”
“No,” Emily answered. “No, it’s alright. I’m sorry. It’s just…it’s been a very hard few days. I’m sorry.”
“Don’t worry, dear,” the woman patted her knee. “Everything will be alright. There’s a wonderful husband waiting to meet you at Little Hope, I’m sure about that.”
“Thank you,” Emily replied. “I really appreciate it.”
The next two hours passed slowly. The conversation turned to happier things, and Emily almost forgot what she was about to do until the train started to slow down.
The rain was still pouring outside, and Emily had no idea what she was going to walk out into.
She didn’t even know if the station was covered or if there were any carriages awaiting.
“Here you go, miss,” the porter said, as he slid open the door. Emily noticed that he didn’t offer to get out and carry her luggage. She didn’t blame him, given the rain, but she wasn’t sure she was even going to survive the steps.
She took them slowly, trying to grip the railing with her finger as she carried both cases down the stairs.
There was a small bit of coverage that she was grateful for, and she stood under it trying to get her bearings. It seemed like she was the only person getting off in Little Hope. The train’s whistle blew and started to chug away again, leaving her standing alone at the station.
If there was someone else around to ask, Emily felt like she could have at least started walking in the right direction. But with the station seemingly deserted, with not even a man at the booth, she didn’t really know what to do.
She sank onto the only bench, trying to see through the rain into the town. From what she could see, down the street, there were quite a few buildings. She was worried that Little Hope would be nothing but ranches, and all supplies or an inn would be in the next town over.
She looked up at the sky and closed her eyes.
Dear God,
Please lead me to Daniel. Wherever he is…whatever has become of him. Lead me to the truth.
When she opened her eyes, to her surprise, there was a man standing in front of her.
“Are you alright, Miss?” he asked. “Do you need any help?”