
"We're behind schedule, Maxim!" the Owl-Conductor hooted. "If we don't calculate the meeting point with the freight train from Station B, we’ll be stuck in the snowy pass forever!"
"Two hours!" Maxim shouted over the roar of the engine. "They will meet in exactly two hours, at 10:00 AM!" "We're behind schedule, Maxim
Maxim closed his eyes. Suddenly, the walls of his room faded away. He wasn't in his bedroom anymore; he was standing on a windy platform at Station A. A giant steam engine hissed beside him. The conductor, who looked remarkably like the illustration of a wise owl from his textbook, checked a gold pocket watch. Suddenly, the walls of his room faded away
"They are moving toward each other," Maxim realized. "So I add the speeds! He divided the total distance by the combined speed: The conductor, who looked remarkably like the illustration
The Owl-Conductor smiled, blew a silver whistle, and the train let out a triumphant CHOO-CHOO! The world began to blur. The steam turned into the smell of his mom's cooking, and the cold wind turned into the hum of his bedroom fan.
