High Time: The High Sierra Sequel

Chapter Thirty-Three: You Did Your Worst

The vintage truck came to a stop at the Paula Hollow Amtrak parking lot. Arthur eyed the large building a few yards away. It was the largest train station that he had ever seen and he was unsure what to make of it.

"This is it, Hamish?"

"Last I checked, it was!" Hamish said with a chuckle. "Let's go in and have a look."

Arthur turned back to him. "You're not thinking of going with me, are you?"

Hamish laughed. "I think I've had enough of scavenger hunts for one day, son." He paused and placed a hand on Arthur's shoulder. "But that doesn't mean that I cannot say goodbye good and proper to a friend." Arthur smiled and they both got out of the truck. "Just let me check on Buell. We will need to go for a ride before too long, I'm sure he's getting antsy."

Arthur nodded and remained by the front of the truck while Hamish went around the back. Arthur watched the front of the station as hundreds of people walked in and out, carrying luggage and various items with them. There were so many people. He could only begin to think how many people were in the cities. If he were stuck here, would he ever get used to that idea? Maybe his world was more primitive in the sense of technology and medical advancements, which were awe-inspiring and filled him with curiosity, but to be in a world that was quiet and freeing seemed to be more of his match. He was going back and forth between these two worlds, just like he did when he had to choose between Eliza and the gang. Choices need to be made.

"Alright," Hamish's voice interrupted Arthur's thoughts. "Buell will be okay for a bit longer. Let's go inside."

Arthur took a deep breath as he approached the train station, his worn-out boots clicking against the concrete. As they entered, they were greeted by glossy floors and lit-up signs indicating departures and arrivals. There was a gate separating the public from passengers and Arthur could see trains lined up ready to leave. Even the trains looked different. Sleek and smooth, not wailing or hissing out steam. He glanced at Hamish, who stood beside him, his old features etched with lines of wisdom and experience. He knew it was time to say goodbye.

"Thank you, Hamish. You've been a true friend," Arthur said, his voice filled with gratitude. "I wish there was some way I could repay you." He then thought of the money that Charles gave him and he reached into his back pocket.

Hamish saw the intended gesture and clasped a hand on Arthur's shoulder, his eyes reflecting a mix of understanding and hope. "Don't worry about it, Arthur." Arthur looked up, and raised his eyebrows. "You can repay me by listening to what I have to say." He paused a moment, before continuing. "Son, sometimes when you finish a chapter, you close the book. It's time for you to move on with this adventure. Find your way back to the people who need you. Hosea and others that love you. I have faith you'll make it there."

Arthur nodded, feeling a renewed sense of determination boiling inside him. He had been wandering for far too long, and he missed his family. It was time to find the last carving and return to them, even if it meant braving the unknown. He made his choice.

They bid each other farewell, Hamish disappearing into the crowd, leaving Arthur standing alone. He stepped up to the front desk, where a young woman with shorter hair than his own greeted him with a warm smile. There were little modern pieces of his surroundings that reminded him that he didn't belong. The way people dressed. The way people lived. He was growing to become relieved that it would be over soon.

"Ticket to New York City, please," Arthur requested, his voice tinged with a mixture of excitement and uncertainty as he placed all the money he had in front of her. He didn't know how much it was going to cost him, and after living in this new world for a few months, he knew enough that everything cost more than it should.