The metallic screech of train wheels against the tracks echoed through the platform. As the train slowly pulled in, Clark tightened his coat and looked at the two pet carriers in his hands.
He tapped one of the carriers with his finger and muttered, "If it weren't for you two little guys, I wouldn't have had to take the train."
Still, he carried the pet carriers toward the exit. Just as he was about to leave the station, he realized he was a little hungry. Gotham was close to Metropolis, but this slow train ride had still taken several hours. Schiller's manor had been damaged, so Schiller hadn't kept him for dinner. Clark hadn't eaten all day.
As Superman, he wouldn't starve to death, but his normal appetite still made him want a hearty meal. Looking around, Clark saw that Metropolis Station had plenty of facilities, but the food here was expensive. He wasn't exactly well-off, so he planned to find something to eat outside the station.
But just then, an enticing aroma drifted over. He turned and discovered that, at some point, a food stall had appeared at the entrance to the station, filling the air with a mouthwatering smell.
Following the scent, Clark found a hot dog cart. Metropolis had strict city management, so food carts were rarely seen. Back near the farms of his hometown in Kansas, though, farmers often pushed out carts to sell food made from what they had grown themselves. The smell was just like this one.
Hunger and homesickness drew Clark over. A bearded middle-aged man was busy behind the cart. Clark ordered a large hot dog with double sauce and pickles. As he bit into the high-calorie delight, he let out a satisfied sigh.
"Oh, what are you carrying there? A cat?...