A Day In New York

Chapter 1

Morning Subway Surprise

“Hold my hand, Luca,” Mateo said.

Luca squeezed his father’s fingers as they walked into the Midtown subway station. Mateo carried their small blue backpack. Luca wore his red cap, snug over his curls. The station smelled like warm air and clean soap. Far below, a train rumbled like a giant sleepy cat.

“New York is waiting,” Mateo said. “First, we ride the train. Then we see the city.”

Luca smiled and tapped his little sneakers on the platform. People stood in a quiet line. Some held coffee cups. Some read books. Mateo stayed close, with Luca tucked beside his leg.

A train slid into the station with a long whoosh. The doors opened.

“Here we go,” Mateo said.

Luca stepped in with Dad. They found a place near a silver pole. Mateo held the pole with one hand and Luca with the other. The train began to move. Luca watched the lights flash past the window.

Then a loud voice burst from the speaker.

“Please stand clear of the closing doors!”

The sound filled the train. Luca jumped. His hands flew to his ears.

“Dad!” he cried.

“I’m here,” Mateo said at once. He bent down and wrapped an arm around Luca. “You are safe. It was only an announcement.”

The train gave a little bump. People shifted around them. Luca held tight to Mateo’s coat.

“Can we get off?” Luca whispered.

“We can stay together,” Mateo said. “Let’s make a quiet spot.”