Derailed

The Amtrak train left this morning--early--after I had to be at work. I wasn't there to see it leave, but I know it has gone, I heard the whistle. It has precious cargo onboard. Jess is riding the silver rails back to Portland and away from us. She was here for a brief 5 days. Her presence fills the house and our hearts. Her absence leaves a void that is not filled by anything else. Her train will arrive safely, but our hearts are derailed and waiting for repair. It's a union job and can only be done by one person, and she's in Portland. It's a long wait!