The Transatlantic Voyage

Barry Jenkins was your usually run of the mill workaholic. He spent his 9 to 5 working for a corporation in New York city, called Maxicorp. A company that specialized in technological advancements. One day he was heading home from work, after an extremely exhausting day and fell asleep on the train ride home. He woke up several hours later to what seemed like a very peculiar sight. The modern train he thought he’d originally stepped onto was now an older fashion looking train, everyone around him seemed to be wearing old fashioned attire. He on the other hand was still wearing his modern-day clothing. A ticket inspector walked up to compartment.

“Can I see your ticket sir” he inquired

Still confused at how he got here, he reached into his jacket pocket and pulled his ticket out and realized his modern-day card had turned into an old paper ticket, which he gave to the inspector. The inspector admired it and punched a hole in it with his old looking device, before handing it back to him.

“From out of town are we sir” he said with a snigger, looking at his clothes.

“Yes” he replied reluctantly, before the inspector moved on.

After the inspector had left the cabin, he got up and looked around. How on earth did he end up on a 20th century looking train. He looked out the window to see an old fashion steam train pulling the carriage he was on along.

He slapped himself several times on the face to make sure he wasn’t asleep.

A older looking lady in her traditional Victorian dress, turned to him, “my word, what an obscure looking fellow”

He turned to look at her. “Can you tell me where this train is going?”

“We’re heading to America of course, crossing the transatlantic from France, it’s the first voyage of its time” she stuttered, “surely you should know considering you on the train”

“Yes, well I think I kind of got on by mistake” he stated, “what year is this?”

“It’s 1864” she replied, “surely you should know, well, you definitely won’t be getting off anytime soon, don’t sound like your around from these parts”

“Ye” he stated, “I’m from America”

“Oh America, how exciting!” she exclaimed

“Arnold, Arnold, come over her, this man is from America” she said, gesturing to a older gentleman who was sitting comfortably in the next stall.

“That’s marvelous dear” he replied, showing a lack of interest as he pulled his bowler hat over his head.

“Arnold” she responded yet again, “don’t be rude!” gesturing towards him

Arnold reluctantly got up and came over to stand by his wife.

“What’s your name” she inquired of Barry

“It’s Barry Jenkins” he replied, “and you are?

“Remilda, Remilda Vain” she responded, putting out her hand

“It’s a pleasure to meet you” he replied, taking her hand to kiss

Remilda giggled, “He’s a real charmer isn’t he Arnold”

“Yes, dear” Arnold replied, showing no such enthusiasm

Suddenly there was an announcement over the speakers.

“Err Folks, just to let you know we’re having some problems with the train’s engines, nothing to worry about, but we should have it fixed shortly. But just to be on the safe side, I suggest you all return to your seats”

“Oh my” Remilda replied, “I hope it’s nothing serious”

“I’m sure It’s nothing to worry about dear”, as both sad down

Barry sat back down and looked out the window, it seemed as though the train was starting to speed up, could this be the problem they’d been meaning. As the train sped up, the pressure on the cabins became more and more immense.

“I’m scared Arnold” he could hear her yell from the next stall.

“It’ll be fine dear, calm down” he responded

Barry held on tight and closed his eyes, wishing he was back home, safe in his hometown and time. Suddenly, he awoke to find he was back on the train again. He looked around to see familiar looking faces and let out a deep sigh, what a weird dream, he though to himself.