Raya’s chest constricted. “What do you meanthis time around?”
“This isn’t the first time you’ve asked me about the woman in Dev’s photo.” Rasmus plucked a needle from a pincushion and threaded the unraveled knot through it. “I’ve tried lying to you and telling you the truth, but no matter what I do, nothing changes.” He pulled the gold thread through the eye of the needle. “I’ve come to believe that it’s because a story can never be told without bias. This time, I think you should see the events for yourself. Hold out your hand.”
“Why?” Raya said, extending her hand.
Rasmus poised the needle over her skin. “I’m sorry.”
“For what?”
Rasmus plunged the needle into her flesh. It disappeared into her palm, sewing a record into her soul. Raya wished that it were the kind of pain that faded, but every stitch burned as much as the one before it. Only the truth the thread told hurt more.
Passenger Manifest
Hiraya Sia
The First Raya
Raya and Q lay on the bed staring up at the compartment’s painted sky. “No one is getting thrown off this train,” Q said. “We’ll sort this out.”
“There’s nothing to sort out, Q. You found the compartment first. It’s yours.”
He shook his head. “It’s not our fault the train glitched and only assigned us one compartment. We’ve followed all the rules Rasmus gave us. We searched for our compartment and didn’t open any locked doors. This is your compartment too. Who cares who found it first?”
“You heard what the receptionist said.” Raya sat up. “One passenger. One compartment. One bond. We can’t share it. Only one of us can stay. And it should be you. The train gave you your sight back. It wants you here. It’s your second chance to do what you were born to do.”
“No. Not at your expense.” Q pushed himself up and leaned against the headboard. “I know what it’s like to have your dreams stolen.”
“You’re not stealing anything from me, Q. I told you when weboarded that my place wasn’t on this train. Yours is. You’ve found your purpose here.”
“Have I?”
“Of course. Just like the other passengers have.”
Q exhaled a heavy breath.
“What’s wrong?” Raya said.
“I just can’t help but wonder if people have really found their place here or if they’ve just been assigned tasks.”
“And if they have? What’s wrong with that?” Raya said. “What matters is that they’re happy. And so are you. Look at me and tell me that you don’t want to be here, Q.”
Q sighed. “I do.”
Sharp knocking rattled the door. “Mr. Philips? Ms. Sia? It’s me, Rasmus. May I come in?”
Raya stood up.
Q jumped out of bed. “Don’t.”
“We can’t hide in here forever.” Raya walked over to the door and opened it.
Rasmus stepped inside. “Congratulations on finding your compartment, Mr. Philips. If there’s anything you need to make it more comfortable, please don’t hesitate to let housekeeping know.” He turned to Raya. “I’m sorry, Ms. Sia. Unfortunately, your journey with us ends here.”
Raya nodded. “I understand.”
“Allow me to escort you to the exit,” Rasmus said.
“She’s not going anywhere.” Q stepped between Raya and Rasmus.
