Chapter 64: Chapter 64: Unscheduled Stop

The sun wakes me, warmth on my face and hands a welcome sensation. I sit up, the dog moaning beside me, yawning and stretching his large body before shaking with vigor. I hug him to me, feeling his body press close as he leans into the embrace, chin on my shoulder, panting softly in my ear.

"Thanks for staying with me." I whisper it out loud, not really meaning to. He chuffs softly in response, tongue finding my cheek.

Time to face the others, though I don't want to, wish I didn't have to. I don't know how to prepare for further stares, whispers. Going back to being treated like an outsider but worse, a freak... my shoulders are heavy with unhappiness as I cross to the sliding door and hop the gap to the next car. The dog leans into my legs, a steady and constant presence. He has to know what I'm feeling, to understand. To be far more intelligent than an ordinary dog.

"I wish you could talk," I say just before we cross to the sleeping car.

He barks once and I find myself smiling.