Just as Nicole's back begins to ache uncontrollably, she looks out the window of the bus at the darkening twilight and makes out the word "Limphome" on a sign beside the road.
"We need to get out here!" Nicole announces as the bus rattles to a stop.
"Wuh, why?" Seanna manages to ask as she is jostled by passengers hurrying to get off the bus. Outside the town looks dark, ramshakle... and very uninviting.
"I know this place!" Nicole reports as she grabs her bag and hurries off the bus. Not facing much of a choice, Seanna joins her travelling companion on the side of the road and watches as the bus rumbles off into the night.
"What do you mean you know this place?" Seanna asks, wrinkling her nose at the impoverished little settlement.
"When I was growing up, my family supported a foster child here in Lumumba, who lived in Limphome!" Nicole explains. "He should be all grown up now, too. His name is Willy."
"Willy?"
"Well, we called him Willy," Nicole says, trailing off.
"Can you remember his real name?" Seanna asks warily. Nicole casts the Irishwoman a bashful, slightly embarressed smile.
Seanna turns and looks at the town, gritting her teeth. "Willy." |