Something I have liked...the way you use an animal, particularly the dog. The dog, of course, is not concerned with thoughts, "her" preceptions, how she is seeing the places between now and then, the deep areas where there is turmoil even as the senses take in the peace that's all around. The dog is content with a full stomach, a soft pillow, and the nearness of a companion.

There are a lot of little things, haunting things: "...she rose quickly, feeling summoned, foolishly obedient to the machine", or the moment when a stretch was begun and the self forgotten and carried away while the arms stayed in the air. ...and then not so little things. "And on the heels of that memory, like the train still barreling through the sleeping town, thundering and clacking on its rails, benign murderer of any that might stumble into its path, came all the rest of it..." That was so very powerful. A train can't be stopped, anymore than the rush of those memories, and with the the devestation and the longing.

Then the dog, far more practicle, brings it back down and the moment--along with the train--is gone...

And your last line, as always, points out the heart of the matter.

wowowowowow! perfect. wonderful descriptions, and an excellent sense of longing, of loss, of bittersweet sadness and acceptance. great job!

*hugs*

sirius:)

Great story, very descriptive. Is there more, if there is I will read it.