Semi-Daily Scribbles

Jo often walked along the tracks of an abandoned railway tunnel, its silence and dank darkness helped to put in order Jo's jumbled thoughts. One day, which had started out like so many other hazy beige days, Jo saw someone ahead of her on the tracks. She'd never been confronted with company before, so she approached with caution. As she got closer, Jo realized the person was a woman in layers of crinoline and lace. The lady leapt and pirouetted, oblivious to her audience of one. Then, after a polite curtsey to a rusted railroad spike, the mysterious dancer took off like a shot down the tunnel. Jo called after her:

"Where are you off to in such a rush?" The caw of a crow answered as Jo felt a tap-tap-tap on her shoulder. She nearly lost her balance as she spun around. The crinoline-clad woman stood with arms akimbo and looked Jo square in the eye.

"To the big silver orb in the sky. The train is due to pull out soon. There still may be room aboard if you are so inclined." Jo smiled, shrugged, and shook her head as the woman held out her hand. "Maybe next time?"

"Maybe, if there is a next time. Oh, and you're a really good dancer, by the way."

"How kind of you to say! I've only just begun lessons. My dream is to dance on stage someday. But don't you go and worry about time. It's always the right hour, once you've found a portal."

"Have I found one?"

"You have found the portal, my dear. I'm off, but we'll meet again. Ta!"

Jo had been in one blue funk before she stumbled upon her big discovery. It was right there in front of her and she never even noticed. She'd wandered up and down the line for so long, maybe the time was right for a change. Jo quickened her pace through the tunnel while the crow's cry intensified. Jo was distracted by the tumble and churn of the day's events. Not even the bright light that sliced the dark in two could break her concentration.