An Average Life: Rail Life

Part 3

Citrus and Ripple watched Robert work until the sun began to set. Citrus' feet were sore from walking, and she felt irritable.

"I'm getting tired." Said Citrus. "Can we go to Arby's yet?"

"I'm not even off work yet." Replied Robert. "I work until midnight."

Citrus's ears perked.

"Midnight?.."

"Yeah, but I love my job." He said. "Besides, I'm paying for your school."

"Oh.. c.. cool.." Said Citrus

Robert began loading packages onto a freight car, while Citrus and Ripple watched.

"You okay?" Whispered Ripple to Citrus.

"I thought my dad was ignoring me all these years." Said Citrus. "But.. He's a lot busier than I thought he was."

"Well, working in a yard is a very busy job." Said Ripple. "You never know what could happen."

Almost as if on queue, a long train came rushing past on the opposite line. Everyone immediately turned to face it.

"That train was going pretty fast.." Said Citrus.

"Maybe it's in a rush?" Suggested Ripple.

"Well it better be something really important. They're going over the speed limit." Added Robert.

Robert continued working as the sun finally set. He closed the door to the van, and waved a green flag to let the driver know it was okay to leave.

"Hey!"

A young mouse in a driver's uniform ran up to the platform.

"Did a black steam engine rush through here earlier?" He asked.

"A few minutes ago." Replied Robert. "What's up?"

"Runaway. Tideway was taken to the hospital, and he forgot to shut off steam before leaving the cab."

Robert took off his hat, and paced the platform nervously.

"That was my grandpa's engine?" Said Ripple.

"Yup." Said the mouse. "And it was pulling a train of dynamite."

Robert straightened his hat, and quickly lit a lantern.

"What are you doing?"

"We gotta try to catch that engine before it blows up!" Shouted Robert, running into the distance.

Citrus and Ripple, not knowing what to do, chased after Robert, desperately trying to keep up.

"Where are we going?" Shouted Citrus.

"We need to follow the tracks it was on!"

"How are we gonna do that?"

"Mine cart!"

Citrus' ears perked. Her and Ripple looked at each other.

"Your dad's crazy." Said Ripple.

"I know." Said Citrus.

"I like him."