I have to admit to a bit of trepidation. My parting with my parents and brother was less cordial than I would have preferred. I don’t worry about Bill—he’s a horse’s behind. But Mor and Far… I shall miss them. Far isn’t as young as he used to be, and the stress and strain of keeping the shop running is taking a toll on him.

I know he says he helped Bill avoid service because he needs him at work, but I also know my brother. He’s a coward through and through. He led Far to believe he’ll ease the burden at work. The truth is, he’s afraid to serve and too selfish ever to put himself in harm’s way. Put country before self? Not Bill! He’ll be of no use to Far, and he’ll bolt as soon as he sees a better opportunity. Poor Far. Poor Mor. They’ve poured everything into Bill and their return on investment, I fear, will be pitifully low.

Still, I regret the harshness of my words in front of our parents. I would have preferred to say a private goodbye without Bill’s noxious presence, but that was not to be. Perhaps once I’m settled, I’ll be able to write a letter to Mor and Far and mend any damage I might have done.

Enough of that. It’s time to focus my gaze forward. What kind of environment awaits? Am I to settle in a big city? A small town? Is the setting rural or cosmopolitan? Have I brought the right clothes? Enough books to read? Will I be living by myself or with other young women? Will we be sorted by education? By job? By age?

I have so many questions and not a single answer, save for the knowledge that wherever we are going, we are, I expect, all of us anxious to make a difference. Our objective is singular—to win the war. Whatever our roles, I trust the words of Groves, Oppenheimer, and Lawrence.

I suspect the mystery of why they chose me will eventually be answered by the surroundings and the circumstances. For now, how about a game of solve this puzzle? I know we are headed south. I know I’m in a sleeper car, and the voyage will last at least one night. That rules out Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington, D.C., as none of those destinations would require an overnight.

I suppose it’s pointless to guess beyond that. Who knows? We might veer west instead of south, or hug the coast all the way to Florida. Florida? Dear God, I hope not. It’s so buggy and humid down there.

The train slowed and Nora peered out the window.

“What’s happening?”

“Looks like we’re making our first stop.”