Three stops and then I was supposed to get off. And then Bubbe would be waiting for me. Three stops, I told myself
“So, are you excited?” Mrs. Scheiner asked me as we settled into our seats on the train that was to take us across Europe. We hadn’t managed to have any real conversation on the boat ride. I was too sick. The sea and the waves and the boat tossing and turning… I was sick the whole journey. But now, the rocking of the train was soothing; it didn’t give me the same nauseous feeling I’d had on the ship. It relaxed me and made me sleepy.
“I really can’t wait to see my grandmother,” I said excitedly. Mrs. Scheiner smiled at me and we lapsed into a comfortable silence. Turning my head, I saw trees and lush fields flash past us. We passed forests and rivers. Part of me wished the train would stop so I could take it all in, but another, stronger part just wanted to see Bubbe and Zeide again.
“Okay,” Mrs. Scheiner said a short while later, “we’re not traveling as far as you are. Did your mother give you instructions for this part of the trip?”
I nodded, my throat feeling dry. “Mama told me you’re getting off three stops ahead of me,” I said, licking my lips.
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