Breakdown

"I hope this old train breaks down," Elis said softly, listening to the train creak and the wheels rattle. Their compartment was shaking as though it was in an earthquake.
"Doesn't." His sister Amanda said in her corrective tone.
"What?"
"You hope the train doesn't break down. That's what you meant, isn't it?"
"Oh, right," said Elis, "Doesn't. I hope it doesn't break down." Still, he gazed wistfully out the window and imagined the train shuddering to a stop. He would jump out the window before Amanda could stop him, and he would run. There were trees flicking past his window--he knew he could get lost among them. Once he could no longer hear Amanda calling his name, he would climb up one of the trees and swing in the branches. He would take off his shoes and socks and run around in the grass. He'd make his own slingshot and hunt for rabbits, which he would roast over a fire that he would build. Then, full and happy, he would fall asleep under the stars.
If only the train would break down.

♥/Kat!e

Today's Novel Idea Prompted by: Take the first line of your favorite song and write a story using it as the first line." Courtesy of Writer's Digest. I chose Jack Johnson's "Breakdown."