When we finally arrived at the station, I was surprised there were only a few stragglers on the platform. I had expected hordes of people, all making for the Titanic. I realized then the coming adventure loomed much larger in my life than in that of my neighbors.

Da lifted the suitcases out of the cart and brought them over to the platform. The two largest ones belonged to Nora. She had fussed and fumed the night before, refusing even Ma’s advice to leave some of her clothes behind. I, on the other hand, had no such problems. My scant belongings fitted easily into a small suitcase. I also carried a leather bag containing our identity papers, tickets and the money left over from what Mr. O’Hanlon had sent, which I was to divide between Nora and me when we docked in New York. Nora had said she couldn’t be bothered with all that carry-on, which was hardly surprising because Nora was used to having everything done for her. I did say she ought to take her share of the money, but she waved me away with a sigh. For all her confidence, our Nora could be very naïve at times.

When he had set down the luggage, Da straightened up and looked at us. We both waited to see if he was going to speak. At last he stepped closer, his arms held out stiffly, as if ready to hug us, but Nora stepped back and looked away.

“Goodbye, Da,” I said quickly to cover the awkwardness, “wish us luck.”

He nodded and let his arms drop. I could see the sadness in his eyes. Even though I knew he had no need to hug me to show his love, I realized I needed to hug him. I stepped forward and put my arms around him.

The moment was interrupted by the arrival of the train, the cloud of steam from its engine enveloping the platform in a momentary fog. We climbed up the metal steps to a third-class carriage, and Da handed our suitcases to the conductor. We found seats in an empty compartment. Nora rushed to the window and lifted it open. As the train began to move, she stuck out her head and waved in Da’s direction. “Bye!” she called, “goodbye, Da.” I wondered if she was doing it all for the benefit of the people left on the platform. Our Nora loved a bit of drama.

She sat down, sniffed and glared at me. “First-class compartments wouldn’t have wooden seats.”