Tim Jamieson escorts the bloodied, dazed boy through Craig Jackson’s office into the air-conditioned living area behind it, intending to have him rest until Doc Roper arrives. The boy refuses the bed and chooses an easy chair instead. Tim begins a basic concussion check and asks for the boy’s name.

The boy, suspicious and repeatedly asking if people were waiting for him, offers the name "Nick Wilholm." Tim tests the boy’s vision and eye tracking and concludes the boy may not be badly concussed. Tim asks who the boy is running from, which alarms the boy until Tim reassures him he is only making an assumption based on the circumstances.

Orphan Annie Ledoux enters, sees the boy’s condition, and chats with Tim and the boy. She denies waiting for the train and jokes about Craig Jackson’s pinup posters. The boy remains fixated on whether anyone was expecting him.

Hector, a trainman in bib overalls and a conductor’s cap, arrives to push Tim to unload overdue freight, listing generators, lawn tractors, canned goods, and produce. Tim notes the Beeman boys are late and that Norbert Hollister from the local motel is in the office but won’t help with unloading.

Hector briefly addresses the boy, confirming he stowed away and stating the police will likely handle it, but since the boy is off the train, it is no longer Hector’s concern. Tim asks Annie to watch the boy and prevent him from moving while Tim helps Hector with the unloading.

Before leaving, Tim challenges the name "Nick," and the boy admits it will “do for now,” signaling a false identity. Tim promises they will discuss it further when he returns, and the boy wearily agrees.