Rory’s hands caught hold of Brigid’s. Her knees and feet banged, hard, against the side of the train. The clicking of the wheels against the rails sped up and the passing air pushed against her body, blowing her skirt up over her head. Luckily there was no one to notice. Rory glanced down to see that the train had cleared the platform. If she fell now she’d drop to sharp stones.

“Pull yourself up,” Brigid gasped.

“I’m trying,” Rory gasped. “Don’t let go!”

Rory struggled to climb up, the toes of her worn boots sliding. Rory could see the top of the window was cutting into Brigid’s arms, but the girl’s grip didn’t loosen. Rory kicked at the side of the train but her feet couldn’t find any purchase.

“Hurry!” Rory cried.

With a huge yank, Brigid hauled Rory up. Rory let go with her right hand and took hold of the window sash. Brigid grabbed Rory’s shoulders and pulled her inside. Rory tumbled through the window and to the wooden bench beneath.