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Butterscotch

Aine Nickerson

     David opened his pouch of butterscotch and popped on in his mouth. The warm taste brought him comfort as he sat, still looking out the window.

Before that, David sunk into his mother's side as chaos endured outside the train. Lights flashed in the dark, people screamed, police officers walked past the windows. He looked up at his mother who just gave her soft smile and signaled for him to rest.

 

Before that, The train came to a sudden halt. The sky was a pale blue as the sun set. The conductor walked through the car and his mother asked what was happening. He bent down and mumbled something in her ear about a man blocking the tracks.

 

Before that, The train whistled as it pulled up to the platform. David once again took his mother’s hand. They boarded and found a seat towards the back of the car. David peaked out the window as they pulled away.

 

Before that, David asked for a sweet treat before their day long ride. His mother gave a soft smile and handed him 10¢ to do so as he pleased. He took the shiny dime and trotted over to the cart selling treats. He pointed at the small bag of butterscotch and paid before returning to his mother's side.

 

Before that, the pair arrived at the correct platform, an hour and a half early. Just as his mother said they would be. She had always been a stickler for early arrival and prided herself in this.

 

Before that, David held his mother’s hand as they entered the station. Busy bodies swarmed around the platforms like a busy hive of honey bees.

Before that, it was a crisp fall day.

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