The Timeless Train

I gasped for air as my body jolted upright. My eyes squinted from the harsh brightness that flickered rhythmically from the scenery outside. I balanced against the unstable motion to prop myself up between two seats off the cold aisle floor. I glared around the empty carriage, not a passenger to be seen. I was alone. I stumbled toward the corridor connection when I noticed my childhood teddy on one of the seats. A smile fought through my confusion; I hadn't seen Quincey in years. I embraced his rough fur and continued through the gangway connection.

A sweet yet savory scent swept me away as it took me back to when my friends and I would skip school to go to the local cinema. I noticed this coach was different; the light from outside was dimmer but still too bright to see anything. Still, no one was in sight, and Quincey had vanished. I must've been dreaming. I had no recollection of how I got here. I dragged my hands over my face; my mind raced with questions. I searched for my phone, but it was nowhere to be found. I had no way of contacting anyone, and there was not a soul I could ask. The train continued fast and steady as I moved toward the next railcar. I hoped the next carriage would bring me clarity.

I slid open the door as a distant, mumbled argument chimed in. A deep churning grew from the pit of my stomach, and my body seized up. My ears strained to decipher the words, but I couldn't hear because of the roughness of the train chuffing along the tracks. However, I noticed I could see easier. The brightness had faded. I shuffled to the window as I peered through a thick fog; two familiar silhouettes gestured hate towards each other as they fought. Suddenly the yelling became clear enough to hear. I remembered this exact argument. It was the fight that resulted in my parents getting a divorce. I continued to watch them like an old film on repeat as I bustled over to the next window. I saw myself as a teenager sitting in my room, my headphones on max volume to drown out my depression. I couldn't understand why I had to relive these moments; I'd suppressed them for years. I shook my head violently; I was sick of this dream. I felt my face burn up as I charged into the next carriage.

I stumbled onto the new coach; it was darker than the others. This was quickly becoming a nightmare. I trod lightly down the corridor as I observed each window I passed, each one filled with recent memories; some good, others bad. The train still moved forward but appeared to be getting slower. I suddenly tasted salt water as my hand met my mouth. I swallowed hard as I spun around, looking into each memory. The train came to a complete stop as I snapped into focus. An unknown force pulled my body towards a massive window pane at the end of the carriage.

I stood speechless as I watched my lifeless body surrounded by strangers on the shoreline. My chest was being pumped forcefully as reality slapped me across the face. It was all coming back to me. I'd been caught in a riptide. I should've stayed between the flags. How could I have been so careless? I felt sick to my stomach as regret and torment flooded my mind. I'd give anything to retake one last breath, feel the sun's warmth on my skin, or feel a subtle breeze brush against me. I closed my eyes; tears ran down my cheeks. I dropped to my knees.

Suddenly the train horn bellowed through me as I choked on a mouthful of salty water. I coughed and spluttered as the crowd around me cheered. A smile swept across my face as the warm summer air danced over my body and the sun caressed my skin. My fingers traced through the sand as I reflected on my potential reality, and my heart grew heavy. I'd survived. I never wanted to be on that train again, but unfortunately, it will come for me. Maybe not today, but someday.