Beatrice Fishback

Christmas Prodigal Beatrice Fishback

- A NOVELETTE -


With groans befitting an aging cow, the driver maneuvered the bus from its parking space and turned on to the interstate. Travelers settled into their seats and faded into private worlds.


Joni Spencer twiddled ear buds on her lap. "I wonder where everyone's heading?"


"They're either moving towards someone and someplace or running away." Hannah, her seatmate, tucked a blanket around her child and kissed her forehead.


"Just like us, I guess."


"Yep. Like us. A busload of pilgrims and prodigals."


"I suppose I'm a little of both." Joni placed the ear buds in place and turned up the volume. She glanced out the window, offered a silent goodbye to Pleasant View, Virginia, turned towards the front and closed her eyes. It was going to be a very long ride to California.