We are very close to surfacing today. We think it’s pure magic how the words PIE TOWN came to us, and it’s exciting to think that there may be a why as well as a how. We’ll find out soon enough. I’m figuring there’ll be something we’ll learn about digging our way to China. (I know I shouldn’t get ahead of myself, but I can’t help it.)

The girl breaks soil aboveground first. We’ve calculated as accurately as possible, and have intuited the rest. She’s dug a small circle of light, and is widening it with the sharp edge of her spoon. The bright circle becomes brighter, then becomes daylight, and then fills our tunnel. The air smells sweet.

Quickly I dig small footholds for us to use to climb out. It takes less than half an hour and when we emerge the daylight is as strong as ever. I squint at the sun, calculate it is around 3:45 p.m., and try to get my bearings. I look left and right for the first time in awhile. This is New Mexico, alright. Miles and miles of New Mexico, as far as I can see.
This is Day Seventeen.