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"Going home?"

"Yes," I said. I thought it was better to say that.

In a way might be going home, I reasoned.

He stretched.

"Me too," he said. "Been on the road nearly a

month. I'm a salesman, wholesale shoes."

"That must be hard for you, being away from

your family so long."

"That it is. Nothing like going home. Of course,

all my children are grown, so there's just me and the

good woman. It's nice though. We have five

grandchildren," he added, smiling proudly.

I smiled back at him and then I thought, soon

Momma would have a grandchild, only she would

never be able to appreciate her grandchild the way this

man appreciates his grandchildren, for hers was

fathered by her new husband. The twisted and dark

world of Farthy would follow my baby forever, I

concluded. It was almost a reason not to have it. But maybe I could find another world, a world

very different from Farthy, and bring my child into

that world. If only I could, if only could, if only I

could. I chanted it like a prayer in rhythm with the

train's wheels. Then my stomach churned with

hunger.

"I guess I will get some breakfast," I said

standing. "I'll watch your doll for you," the gentleman

offered.

"Oh, no sir. She goes everywhere I do," I said.

"And besides, she's just as hungry."

He laughed and I went out to find the dining