Therapy Bits

The train clattered along the tracks, the rhythmic beat echoing through the night air as it chugged its way through the deserted countryside. Emily settled into her seat, trying to shake off the fatigue that had been building up all day. She had been on the train for hours, and was starting to lose hope of ever reaching her destination.

As she gazed out the window, the dark shapes of trees and buildings whizzed by, blurring together into a monotony of black and gray. She closed her eyes, letting the motion of the train lull her into a half-doze.

But suddenly, something caught her attention. A figure, tall and gaunt, standing on the platform at the next stop. He was dressed in a long coat, his face pale and pinched. Emily felt a shiver run down her spine as he raised his head and looked directly at her. Their eyes met for a fleeting moment before the train pulled away, leaving him standing alone on the platform.

Emily opened her eyes to find herself wondering if she had really seen what she thought she had. But as she glanced around at the other passengers, she realized that none of them seemed to have noticed anything out of the ordinary.

The train continued on its journey, rumbling through tunnels and over bridges. Emily’s thoughts kept drifting back to the figure on the platform. Who was he? Why was he standing there all alone? And why did she feel an inexplicable sense of unease every time she thought about him?

As the hours dragged on, Emily found herself getting more and more restless. She decided to get up and explore the train, hoping to find some distraction from her growing unease. As she walked down the aisle, she noticed that some of the other passengers were starting to stir. A group of rowdy teenagers in the back of the car were playing loud music and laughing together, while an elderly couple in front of her were whispering quietly to each other.

Emily wandered up to the front of the train, where a conductor was busy sorting through some papers at his desk. "Excuse me," she said, trying to sound casual. "Do you know how much longer until we reach our destination?"

The conductor looked up, his face worn and tired. "Not much longer now," he said. "About 20 minutes."

Emily thanked him and turned to make her way back down the aisle. But as she reached the door to her car, she saw him again – the tall, gaunt figure from earlier – standing outside, watching her.

This time, Emily didn’t hesitate. She pushed open the door and stepped out onto the platform, determined to get some answers.

The figure didn’t move as she approached him. His eyes seemed fixed on hers, but his face was expressionless. "Who are you?" Emily demanded.

The figure didn’t respond. Instead, he turned and walked away into the darkness, leaving Emily standing alone on the platform.

She watched him go, feeling a sense of unease wash over her once again. Who was this man? And why did he seem so intent on making contact with her?

As she turned back towards the train, Emily realized that she had reached her destination after all – but not in any way she could have imagined.

https://mindlovemiserysmenagerie.wordpress.com/2024/07/13/story-starter-saturday-mix-13-july-2024/