After losing the court case, Sarah, with her daughter in tears, trudged toward the last train

At the suburban train station, the air smelled of coffee and dampness. Sarah stood at the ticket counter, gripping a worn bag and Emily’s hand. The girl swiveled her head, watching hurried people and flashing departure boards. The last train to the countryside left in forty minutes.

“Mom, will it be warm where we’re going?” Emily asked, bouncing to stay warm. “And are there dogs?”

Sarah managed a faint smile, stroking her head. “It’ll be warm, I promise. We’ll ask Aunt Nancy about dogs.”

Emily nodded but added, “I don’t want Dad to find us. He’s a stranger now.” Her voice softened, and her fingers tightened around her mom’s hand.

Sarah knelt, looking into her eyes. “He won’t find us, sweetheart. We’re starting fresh.”

Emily thought for a moment, then said, “Then I’ll draw our new house. With dogs and a garden!” She reached for her backpack to grab pencils, but Sarah gently stopped her. “Let’s get there first, my little artist.”

The train swayed rhythmically, lulling passengers with the clack of wheels. Sarah sat by the window, staring at the dark silhouettes of trees flashing by. Emily settled beside her but, instead of sleeping, swung her legs and tugged at her scarf.

“Mom, have you ever been on a train far, far away?” she asked, eyes wide.

“Yes, a long time ago, when I was little like you,” Sarah replied, pulling herself from her thoughts.

Emily pondered. “I want to go where there’s an ocean. Dad promised, but…” She frowned, trailing off, and leaned into her mom. “Will you take me there?”

Sarah hugged her, feeling her tremble. “We’ll go, I promise. We’ll see the ocean.”

Emily smiled but yawned. “Then I’ll draw the ocean. And us.” She curled up on the seat, tucking a hand under her cheek, and soon her breathing steadied—she was asleep.

The station greeted them with an empty platform and a cold breeze. Sarah hefted the suitcase, while Emily shuffled sleepily, pulling her jacket sleeves over her frozen hands.

“Mom, is it far?” she mumbled, yawning…