Nice! The apathy of the boy and the destination, mixed with the impish grin, implies trouble ahead. :)

Nice. Minor points: the word “assailed” requires an object, and “feckled” should probably be “freckled”.

Nice? (Not really a question, just wanted to start like the others- thought it funny)

Your descriptions are wonderful. Reading them transports me there. I can smell the “half rotted and mossy” dirty leaves and muck.

Ah, to be eleven again!

Thank you.

Nice/ (ran out of original punctuation. rested on slash)

I’ve always been that child following random train tracks because in my head they could lead anywhere.

The description of the boy is just sparkling, and I somehow manage to picture him ginger (combination of imp + freckles).

I’m certainly biased. I love trains. I’d be a poor judge in this contest.

Superb as always Doc.

congrats!