Full Speed Ahead: My Journey with Kit

Kit hesitates, too, and asks Mrs. Finch how much the tickets cost. Kids pay half fare, a nickel each. Kit looks at me, and we agree: give our other two nickels to the hungry boy.

Buddy leaps and barks with happiness as we hand the two nickels to the hungry boy, who whispers thanks with tears in his eyes. I vow never to take even the smallest gift for granted again.

Kit, Buddy, and I walk to the station and march up to the ticket window. Kit confidently asks for two tickets to Cincinnati. I wish the railroad bulls could see us now, paying instead of sneaking rides. No wonder people call them bullies.

When the train pulls into Lewis Falls with a whistle and screech, I feel relieved and excited. I carry Buddy aboard, and we ride back to Cincinnati. At Union Station, Kit, Buddy, and I are the first off. The station is huge, cavernous, like a cathedral. Kit and I don’t linger. We’re eager to get home.