Train Ride

In the distance a name is whispered.

“Adana” no one answered. It was silent.

“Adana” softly in the background you can hear a train going over rails in the background.

“Adana River, it’s time to awaken.” whispered the voice. The sound of a train whistle wakes Adana with a start. He opened his mouth to speak but no sound came from his lips. Grasping his throat, he looked left and right but saw no one. There were empty seats facing the windows, but you could see nothing but darkness with the occasional light. Adana looked at the doors on the train and noted that he was in the last car. He ran to the rear of the train and tried to open the door, but it was locked.

“Run!!!” a voice screamed in his ear. Suddenly, the car started to rock followed by an angry roar. A giant crocodile with sinister eyes broke the windows on the train car with the slam of his tail. The giant crocodile climbed into the car and chased Adana. Without a second to spare Adana sprinted to the other side of the train car and opened the door with ease. He fell through the door and ran into the new door to the next car. In his amazement, the door behind him slammed shut. Adana tried to open the door he just went through, but it was locked. A white glowing force field appeared in front of him as the crocodile tried to reach him. But the force field prevented the crocodile from breaking free.

“Adana, it is not over yet. Get to the next car." Adana had no choice but to open the connection door. He stepped inside and took a tumble. Frustration visible on his face he discovered that he was in a grand library, but he could still hear the train. For what felt like hours, Adana wondered through the library looking for an exit. Out of the corner of his eye he saw a book that fascinated him. He walked over to the self and opened the book. It was a book from his childhood. He aspired to be an animator when he was young. He was reminded of the failures he experienced trying to get his work recognized. A blinding rage came over Adana. With all his might he tried to destroy the book but before he could the voice returned.

“Look where you found the book. Press down and you will find the exit.”

After wandering around the library for hours, Adana found the location and pressed down as instructed. The bookshelves pulled apart to reveal an entryway to the dining car. He stepped into the connection hallway and the books closed behind him. He opened the door with a little difficulty and walked into the dining car. When he walked in and closed the door, an angry roar was heard behind him. With great fear Adana took off running. He looked behind him to see a larger giant crocodile fighting its way into the dining car. Adana reached the door to the next car but when he tried to open the door, it would not open. In great desperation, and all his might, Adana tried to call out for help, but nothing but a strangled sound would leave his lips. “Help me, please.” Adana closed his eyes and curled into a ball waiting for the worst.

The crocodile let out a painful howl. The sound of fighting swords and many war cries reached Adana’s ears. He raised his head and saw a horde of giant crocodiles fighting angelic warriors around the train. And once again his car is covered in a force field. In shock, he did not notice the door opening. Nor the Conductor behind him.