Matt and Mandy

Illustrations by Shauna Mooney Kawasaki

Let’s visit the past in my brand-new Matt-o-matic time machine.

Look! Handcart pioneers!

Let’s go talk to them.

How are you doing?

We’re tired, and Mama is sick.

Take a break, and we’ll push awhile.

You two dress strangely, and I don’t recognize either of you. Are you from another company?

No. We’re from the future.

From the future? Then tell me three things. Does our journey get easier? Is it worth the suffering? And will anyone remember us?

It doesn’t get easier. It is worth the suffering. And we do remember.

Supper’s ready. Are you time travelers hungry?

Hungry and grateful.

Especially grateful.