Author's Notes- Hey everyone, new day means a new story. Today's story is the very first special request prompt. I got a pm from Iamnotdeadyet asking for a short about the app Ticket to Ride and it is now my pleasure to deliver. Also a quick shout out to the guest who left a review for yesterday's short. Your suggestions for apps have been added to the writing prompt list and should start popping in the next few days.

Disclaimer- I do not own Hetalia…or Apple…or whatever company owns the Ticket to Ride.

Ticket to Ride

America was a pretty big country. There were fifty states and a handful of territories to keep track of. As a nation he tried to meet with everyone in person at least two or three times a year. This usually happened at family gatherings. The rest of the time he had to rely on technology.

At first America had relayed on letters, but those had sometimes taken months to travel to his farthest children. The telegraph had allowed most of the family to receive messages from him within a day, but unfortunately it had also been very expensive. The radio had been fast, but insecure. The telephone, though expensive at first had rapidly become the preferred method of communication. That was until Skype had been invented, that is.

Now that all of his states had computers and internet connections, America enjoyed video chatting with each and every one of his children for an hour each month. It allowed him to not only listen to his states, but also watch their body language. Sometimes the video feed would help him figure out when one of his kids had something on their minds.

"Illinois, enough talking about the ice pack on the Great Lakes. What's bothering you?"

"It is nothing." The state mumbled not making eye contact.

"I don't care if it is nothing. If something is bothering you never have to feel ashamed about talking to me about it."

"But we don't have time…"

"I will make time." America said with a sad smile on his lips. "Hey I know I am not always the best parent, but listening is the least I can do for you guys. Now spit it out. What is bothering you?"

"I have been playing this game with Texas, Georgia, California, and Missouri and I keep on loosing and I can't figure out why?" The state cheeks were burning with embarrassment. "I mean Ticket to Ride is a game about trains, and while all of the other states may have big hubs, no one has a rail yard like mine."

"Maybe you have missed something?" America tired to point out reasonably.

"I have the read the rules a thousand times." Illinois scrubbed his hand across his face in frustration.

"Okay then, why don't you walk me through your game play."

After a bit more convincing, Illinois finally broke down and walked through the past few games. By the fourth or fifth example, America had an idea what might be wrong.

"Well, I think that I can see a little issue with your strategy." The nation said clearing his throat.

"What?" Illinois almost sounded desperate.

"So if am reading things rights you are suppose to link Los Angles with Calgary in this next game."

"Yes."

"Did you ever consider that perhaps it would be faster for you to build your train either up the coast of California or up through Salt Lake and Helena?" America pointed out.

"But then the railroad wouldn't go through Chicago." The state muttered quietly.

"Exactly." America grinned convinced he had finally made his point.

"But it wouldn't go through Chicago…" Now the state was starting to sound pretty confused.

"Remember that while your largest city may be the continent's most important railroad hub it only about a third of our nation's cargo goes through it. That is a lot, but that still means that means the other two thirds goes through other cities instead."

"But Chicago's, my state's economy…" A look of panic was starting to appear in the state's eyes.

When America signed off of his computer a half hour later, Illinois was still staring at his tablet in confusion and the nation he couldn't help but wonder if the state had fully grasped the concept that he could get away with routing all of his trains though other hubs without causing the whole system to fall apart.

End Note-Well, as you can probably tell, I love to hear your ideas. If you have any suggestions for apps to use in this project, find an error I need to correct in one of the shorts, or simply want to make a comment please either drop a review or send me a pm. I really do enjoy your messages.