When Eliyah materializes into view, you are stunned to see him without his steadfast companion, Anyu. He holds an unfamiliar woman’s hands, her wavy hair the color of a brilliant ruby. The two young lovers stare into one another’s eyes as the old train approaches. "How long do you think you will be gone?"
"I...I’m not sure," he confesses. "It is a lengthy journey. Alaska is a hell of a big place."
"So, this is goodbye, then," the woman says. She wipes angry tears from her eyes. "Will you write?"
"I’ll try, but..." he glances away.
"Right, right," she says, understanding. The train pulls into the station, its piercing squeal muffling their words. "You...fool." She leans up and kisses his cheek. "You are a fool, Eliyah."
"I...I know," he replies. "I know."