“My parents.”
He glanced toward the empty platform.
“They coming to pick you up?”
I forced a small smile.
“Yes, sir. They should be here soon.”
The man studied my face.
For a moment, I thought he might ask another question.
Instead, he nodded and continued working.
I watched him walk away.
Then I lowered my head.
Because I was beginning to suspect that my answer had been a lie.
Around midnight, I discovered a payphone near the station entrance.
I stared at it for several minutes before gathering enough courage to make a collect call home.
I knew the number by heart.
I’d memorized it when I was little.
As I waited for someone to answer, I imagined how the conversation might go.
Maybe Mom would sound worried.
Maybe Dad would say the prank had gotten out of hand.
Maybe someone had already arranged a ride for me.
The
