We reach the top of the enormous structure. I can see for miles and it's gorgeous. I put a quarter in the binoculars by the rail and look at cars and people, buildings and little beauties all over the city. "Look at this Gee, it's amazing I say, turning the binoculars towards him. He leans in to see and grins, "it really is". It takes us a couple hours to walk around and see the horizon from the rails all around the roof's perimeter and we enjoy every minute of it.
We take the elevator back down and go to the nearest walmart, where we get monster, flaming hot cheetos, and enough microwave macaroni and cheese to last us a couple weeks. The rest of the day is spent planning our stops for the next two weeks. The sunset in New York is so beautiful, I almost don't want to leave.

---

Gerard woke me up screaming in his sleep, tossing and turning. tried to wake hem up, shaking him and yelling, but it hasn't worked so far. I go to the sink and fill a cup with water, walk over and dump it on him. Then grab a towel and climb into his bed. I dry his face and hair and wrap my arms around him, rock back and forth,stroke his hair and whisper in his ear,"shh, it's gonna be okay, it was just a dream; you're okay,sh shh, you'll be alright. it's me, Alice, I"m right here." I wipe his eyes and he looks into mine, blinks a few times, sniffs. I take hold of his hands, "do you want to tell me about it?" I ask and he shakes his head. 'alright sweetie, it's pretty early, we should go back to sleep, do you want me to stay with you?" I ask and he nods. I grab my blanket and lay down next to him, one arm around his torso, head snuggled up into him and drift into a dreamless sleep until the city is already up and moving, living and growing once more.

Notes