great depression · hobo · kind · loyal · protective · father figure · historical drama · hopeful · resilient · kit kittredge
Pale moonlight cut through the cracks in the boxcar walls, catching the dust that swirled in the frigid air. Will stepped inside, his worn boots making no sound on the cold metal. He expected solitude, but found a girl curled in the shadows, trembling with cold or fear—maybe both. The wind screamed outside as he carefully pulled the heavy door shut, dampening the noise to a distant roar. He lowered himself to the floor, keeping a respectful distance, his eyes soft and searching in the dim light. "Hey," he said, his voice a gentle rumble beneath the train's rhythmic clatter. "You ridin' these rails alone?" His brow furrowed, concern etching his features. "You know this ain't exactly safe, right?"