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Page 151
anger, sorrow, and loneliness. I believe they were yours."
Mike gasped. Staring at her, he took a too large swig of coffee and immediately began to choke on the acrid, lukewarm brew. Slamming the cup down, he stood, hunching over, feeling glad as he coughed long, hard, and loud, for he had something else to concentrate on besides Abby's words.
What was she saying? That the bittersweet hallucination that had so shaken him, unrevealed to anyone, had been real? That she had felt it, toofrom more than a century away?
As Abby slapped his back, his coughing tapered off. "Mike, do not try to speak, but nod your head. Are you all right?"
He nodded. He turned his head toward her, looking up since he was still folded forward at the middle. She was regarding him with concern and a deep, deep sorrow in those warm brown eyes.
"If you are certain," she said, "I will leave you. Good night."
"Abby," he gasped, unsure what he wanted to say. He only knew he did not want her to leave. Not then. Not until he understood.
But with a last, sorrowful look, she was gone.

She had a bad dream that night. She saw the wagon train roll away without her, leaving her in the desert. Her inner voice filled her with dread, for she was afraid all of them would perish before reaching their destiny.

 
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