Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed novel Chapter 872

In contrast to the dry cold of the north this time of year, the southern state of Springfield was known for its damp, biting chill. As the train pulled into the station, a light, persistent rain was falling.

The moment Roseanne and her friends stepped onto the platform, a gust of wind hit them, making them instinctively duck their heads into their collars. The cold seeped in through every pore, a creeping chill that seemed to work its way right into their bones.

Mamie clutched her scarf tighter, her shoulders hunched and her hands jammed into her pockets, looking for all the world like a puffed-up quail. “Roseanne, let’s get out of here. This platform is open on all sides. It’s freezing.” As she spoke, her breath condensed into a white mist.

Roseanne nodded. “Okay, let’s head for the exit.”

The station was small and eerily empty, devoid of the usual bustling crowds and noise.

“I just asked around,” Scales said, all business. “There’s only one bus from the train station to the township, and it runs every fifty minutes. The last one has already left for the day, so we definitely missed it. If we want to get to the township tonight, our options are either a private shuttle van or hiring a car.”

“What kind of car?” Roseanne asked.

“A private car that works as an unlicensed taxi,” Scales clarified.

Roseanne glanced up at the sky. “It’s getting dark. Why don’t we just find a place to stay in the county seat tonight and take the bus to the township tomorrow morning?”

Mamie nodded furiously. “I agree! We don’t know this place at all. It’s safer to travel during the day.”

“I have no objections,” Scales said.

By the time the three of them had checked into a small motel, it was already eight o’clock. The night was pitch-black, and the streets were silent.

Mamie pushed open her window and looked out at the deserted main street, where the only signs of life were the faint lights from a couple of convenience stores and a barbecue stand. “Roseanne… it’s too quiet… It’s kind of creepy…” she said, rubbing her arms.

Roseanne walked over and handed her a cup of instant noodles she had just prepared. “This is all we’ve got. It’ll have to do.”

They had originally planned to drop off their things and grab some barbecue, but when they passed the stand earlier, they’d seen the owner using the same grimy rag he used to wipe the grill to mop up blood from a piece of raw meat. Their appetites had vanished instantly.

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