No Fear!

The train was almost to a stop. He saw the Lucas sign, but it slowly passed without letting anyone off. He shouted, “Please, let me off the train, I need to get off now!”

The other people on board sat and stared at him for a moment, and then looked away. They seemed like zombies, cardboard like figures that could move. “Sir?” A man wearing a uniform asked him to relax. “We never stop there, but you may get off at the next station.”

Bobby was in no mood for this. “But why have a stop if you don’t use it? That doesn’t make any sense. And I think that’s where I need to be.”

“You are mistaken, Sir. There’s an outbreak of Yellow Fever on the ninth, it’s no longer safe.”

Dread took over Bobby, “Then I need number Eight! Take me back, please. Tell me how to get to Eight!”

“Please calm down, Sir. Can’t you see that you’re scaring the others? You’re going to have to get off on the tenth. In fact, I’m told that I am to stay here. For the sake of the others, you understand. We don’t stand for outrageous behavior, I’m sure you can recognize why we must have rules.” The train slowly came to a halt, and the door opened where the uniformed man ushered him out. “Good day, Sir. And try to get ahold of yourself, remember the rules while traveling with us.”

Terrified, Bobby watched as the train disappeared into the future. He looked up at the little station, with the arched sign. It had weathered, and ivy was growing over it. He found a broom lying on the ground with other debris. Picking it up, he used it as an extension to lift the plant growth away from the sign. Underneath, it said Lucas. Walking into the building, he saw damage from years of neglect. He began running out into the street, to see if anyone was around, but all he saw was desertion, and abandoned cars on the side of the road. He screamed for anyone to hear him but nothing. No one was answering. He was too late. He fell to his knees and sobbed. His wife, his child. What has happened to Susi? Did she die of the fever like the rest of them? Did she leave Lucas? And if so, how will I ever find her?