I do not own Carnival.

Still love Ben tho.

Ben and Sofie

One Step Further

Sofie feeds him crackers, water from a jug.

It helps, his strength returns.

They move on, they have to.

Ben doesn't know how keen people are these parts might be, that father and boy most likely smarter than to buy what Ben tried to sell them.

A tall tale of bull in exchange for a second chance at life.

But people are fickle.

And Ben's got a lifetime of experience to prove it.

"Want me to drive? Let you rest?"

"Sure, Sof'. That'd be nice."

They stop again down the road, truck nearly out of gas and ancient engine sputtering to beat the band.

"I think this is it for the night. You think we're far enough?"

"Yeah. Maybe."

They sleep under the stars and there is no rocking.

There is only the hard ground and near empty bellies.

And . . .

"How many stars do you think there are, Ben?"

"I don't know. My mama used to say there was one for every angel. But that was before she got too scared to talk to me."

He can feel her sigh next to him, feel her unhappiness emanating out from her.

"I just don't see how anyone who believes in a god could treat their child so badly. Deny them their love. I've done bad things in my life. I could never do that."

He doesn't know what to say, wants to speak up, tell her it's okay, that his mama just didn't know any better.

But finds the words stick in his throat like oatmeal paste.

And instead he just lays there.

And stares at the stars with her, with Sofie.

Until a bit at a time . . .

"I'm glad you're here, Sofie."

. . . they close their eyes.

"I'm glad I'm here too, Ben."

And fall to sleep.

"Where is he?! Where is the boy?!"

"Please, I don't know who you're talking about!"

"Tell me or I'll rip your throat out with my bare hands, you maggot!"

The morning is bright and warm and the world looks like a much more hopeful place.

That's what Sophie says when she wakes up anyway.

Ben lets her think that.

And right about lunchtime, breakfast a handful of blueberries from a bush, . . .

"What is it?"

"We've run out of gas."

"Oh."

. . . they are rescued.

"You folks all right?"

"Yes, ma'am. Just out of gas."

"Well, why don't you come in for some lemonade and get out of the sun for a spell. We'll see if we can get you some gas afterward."

"Thank you. That'd be real nice."

In their own way.

Thanks for reading out there.

Please be safe and well.