They were on the train for three days before finally arriving in Chippewa Falls. Jack grabbed the two suitcases and Rose got off the train, making sure her hat was secure. They did what Joseph had told them while on their way to the train station and waited until they were the only two passengers left. Finally, a car pulled up and a blonde woman stepped out of the car. She walked over to them.
"Are you Josephine and Peter Burke?" asked the woman.
"Yes. That would be us," said Jack, standing up and grabbing the suitcases.
The woman nodded. "I am Josephine Dawson," she said, and she winked at them before walking back to the car. It was a Renault, like the one that Jack and Rose had gone to the stars in. "Well, are you getting in?"
"Oh, right! Yes, ma'am," said Jack, rushing over to the car. "Come on, darling." Rose stood up, as well, and rushed over to the car. Jack put the suitcases in and helped Rose in. Then he got in as well. Josephine started the car and started driving. The town was covered in snow already.
"So, Jack, do you remember me?" asked Josephine.
"No, not exactly," replied Jack, removing the moustache.
Josephine looked at him through the mirror. "You look much like your father, Jack," she said. "I'm his sister, you know. Never married, but I never wanted to be. I've always wanted to draw and paint the landscape around me."
"Really? I do portraits. That used to be my job, until that damned article came out and ruined our lives," Jack replied.
Josephine nodded. "I read the one that Rose was interviewed in. I believe in your side, not Mr. Hockley's," she said.
"That's great, Aunt Josephine! Cal's article is full of lies! We didn't steal any money from him. He put it in the coat that he gave Rose on the Titanic," Jack exclaimed.
Josephine shushed him. "Yes, yes. I heard that you were on that ship. Horrible sinking, it was. Everyone in America was looking forward to seeing that beautiful ship," Josephine said quietly. "I read everything that Rose here said about you, Jack. I must say, I agree with her. You sound like a very romantic man."
"Oh, he is, Miss Dawson," said Rose, kissing him.
Josephine smiled. "I'm glad to see that my nephew has fallen in love! And please, Rose, call me Josephine," she said.
"Oh, I'm sorry, Josephine," said Rose, blushing. She looked out the window. "So, Jack, this is where you grew up, is it?"
"Yup! Good old Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin. Haven't been here in years," Jack replied, also looking out the window.
They passed what looked like charred land. Jack looked through the window and saw what looked like a blackened house. He went quiet, the smile on his face dropping. He could see himself as a child, fishing in the summer with his father at the small pond, which was now gone. He could see himself running through the fields with his parents, happy and smiling. He felt tears stinging his eyes, then a hand on his shoulder.
"Jack, are you all right?" asked Rose as they passed the property.
Josephine didn't speak after that.
*****
They walked into Josephine's house. It was small, but on its own large property. Nearby was a frozen pond, and Jack went over to check it out. He stuck a stick into the ice, noticing that it was too thin. He didn't go any further. He remembered the time he fell into the water, feeling like a thousand knives had punctured him all over his body. He was soon joined by Josephine.
"Hey, kiddo! You coming in? It's quite cold out here," she said.
Jack sighed. "Yeah, I guess," he said. "I'll be inside in a moment."
"All right, sweetie," said Josephine, and she walked back inside.
Jack looked out at the white pasture. Wisconsin might have the coldest winters, but it had the most beautiful snow-covered land. It was getting dark, and the snow was glistening under the moonlight. He gave one last sigh, then went back inside.