Based on the memory of a young woman living in the Ozarks in the late 1800s, who falls in love with a man riding the caboose on the train that passes near her home each day.

The train whistle sounded again, echoing over the hills like a lament. Trembling fingers touched the faded blue ribbon tied in her white hair. Carefully, she picked her way down the lane to stand in the new road that ran alongside the Frisco line. . . One day soon her lost prince of faded memories would be on that train. He'd lean over the rail of the caboose, throw her a kiss and shout with joy. . . That girl she'd been so long ago remained as fresh in her mind as if she existed at this very moment.