Last Train

Published on Thursday, February 21, 2013 by Katherine

Blog Writing Challenge Topic Today? LAST TRAIN. WOOO WOOOOOO!!!!

Taking the last bite of warm apple pie, Allison made a mental note to order the best meal available every time she traveled by rail. Noting the empty containers of tuna and crackers nearby, she congratulated herself for splurging on real food.

Glancing out the window, she noticed it would soon be dark. With a full belly, it wouldn’t take long for the gentle rock of the train to lull her to sleep.

When she turned her head back, she startled at the man sitting next to her. How had he seated himself so quietly, without her even noticing? Sheesh. It was just her luck to have someone pick the empty seat next to her when so many others were available.

As she briefly pondered this, Allison realized the man was staring at her. Not just glancing her way, but staring at her.

“Is something wrong?” she blurted. What was it about this man that made her feel so on edge? He shifted his body towards her, and as he did, she smelled a faint odor that reminded her of mold and… what was that… ash?

With the corners of his mouth curving slightly upward he said, “It’s time to go.”

Oh crap. The man next to her was a freaking lunatic.

“I’m sorry, I don’t know who you have me confused with, but I would appreciate you taking another seat. Away from me. Like, can you please leave… NOW.”

“Allison, I’m not confused at all. I am here for you. You are dead and it’s time to go.”

That was when Allison realized she could see two of herself. Not really two, but she could see herself and then raise her hand and a glowing bit of hand came out of her real hand…. I mean, it was her, but it was a shadow, but it was glowing, but it was….

“Oh hell. Bloody HELL. I’m fucking DEAD.

With a heavy sigh, Allison stood up. Or her glowing self stood up. Either way, she was standing up and easing herself in to the aisle.

He motioned for her to walk forward. She took a step, then stopped and turned. “Wait a minute. Can you at least tell me how I died?”

His lips curled upwards just a little bit more as he turned his body, extended his arm and pointed a finger at her dirty dinner plate.

“The salmon mousse.”

And that, my friends, was the last train Allison ever took.