The Train

The blistering cold numbed my eyes as I stumbled through the biting snow, dragging a dull, faded suitcase

overloaded with necessities behind me, leaving a train in the deadly, ice snow. "All abroad!" a man in a bright red suit, a funny red hat and an equally crimson nose called, his voice straining

to be heard over the howling wind.

I struggled up to him and handed over my ticket, which was faded from sweat, tears and the bitter snow. Then

man, whom I safely assumed was the train conductor, glanced briefly at the ticket, then smiled at me slightly.

"Terrible morning isn't it?" he commented. I did not reply. "In for a long ride, I see!" he added when he saw my

ticket. I gave no response as I checked my heavy bag. He beamed wider as he said, "Welcome aboard the Windows

Express, ma'am!"

I tried to smile back, but my scarf was bundled around my nose and my mouth, so I nodded instead. "Thank

you." My voice was barely audible over the gusty breeze as I stepped off the platform and boarded the train. The

front compartment was crowded, packed like sardines. I squeezed past the numerous bodies to get to the next train

car, which was where I was to be seated. Even though the warmth there was comforting, I hoped it was not too

stuffy in my car.

I finally broke free from the crowd, swinging the car door open and entering a considerably cooler car. I

removed my scarf from my face. My skin was raw with cold, but I barely felt it. I glanced around. This car was

deserted, the seats along its aisle empty. I checked the number of compartment I had been assigned then opened

the door to it. There was a small bunk bed in the corner, with a little closed off area I guessed was the bunk. I

glanced out the single window, but there was nothing to be seen through the fog and slat than plummeted so hard

against the glass it felt like hail. Feeling slightly claustrophobic in the