The last departure by Gemma Scott (ebook reader for comics txt) 📕

The trains whistle blew as it came crawling into the station. A familiar sound for me, a welcoming sound and a sound which also signified departure. The black paint on the engine reflected the light despite the steam that still surrounded the great beast as it crawled to a stop. The varnished wood of the carriages complimented the freshly painted engine. You wouldn’t think that such amazing machines was slowly disappearing now a days being replace with the more modern trains. If I could have it my way I would keep the old steam trains instead of the quicker ugly trains we have flying through the country.

  The door of the carriage in front of me has a bronze reserved plate on the door as does the one behind it. Further down the platform a group of people stood cameras flashing as they waited to board the train. The mixtures of colours of clothing worn stood out as many of the passengers wore black or grey compared to the blue denim and checked shirts many of the men wore, the pink cardigans and blue tops the kids wore and the bright summery colours the women wore. The moods of the people standing on the platform seemed to be linked to the way they were dressed. From excitement and happiness to depressing and tired.

 The doors opened and the porter exited to hold the door open for the passengers. The Iron steps clattered as the many feet entered the carriage. The thick blood red carpet of the carriage matched the slightly darker red of the silk seats which sat back to back with an oak wood table in between the facing seats. The roof of the carriage was a sparkling white. This had been one of my dreams to actually travel on the steam train but we had been too poor and I too ill.

 Looking at those around me I noticed they were all people I knew my mum sat beside me a solemn look on her pale face. She reached over to my little sister as she straitened the collar of her frilly little black dress, beside her sat my father his head bowed his brown hair covering his face from my view. Aunties, uncles and cousins were sitting nearby. The whistle blew announcing our departure. Slowly the train pulled away from the station heading out towards the lush green county side. Trees and fields flew past as we speed up.

Mum sat silent staring out the window as tears streaked down her cheeks; my sister sat playing with the seam of her dress peaking at dad who still sat head bowed as his whole body silently shook. No one was smiling, no one was happy to be on the train. But at the same time I felt as though I had accomplished something big and began to feel happy. As I looked around at the carriage and then the countryside that was whizzing past I began to feel warm.

The door at the front of the carriage opened as a porter walked through he walked up to my mother and father placing his hands on their shoulders.

“Sir. Madam. Its time.”  Further tears streaked down my mother’s face as he helped her to stand. The rest of my family followed suit. Mother turned and picked me up before heading towards the back of the train. The warm feeling inside continued to grow. We piled out onto the back part of the train the family congregating behind us. Mother walked over to the railing as hands reached out to touch me.

A screwing sound began before a slight pop. Mother and father were now very obviously crying as I heard there sobs however I could not turn to see them. Words were spoken among our group however I could not make out what was said. A whaling sound came scratching at my ears as mother walked the last few steps to the edge of the carriage.

“I’m sorry we couldn’t help you Tommy. I hope you enjoyed your last trip.” She sobbed. She clutched me to her chest before pushing me away from her and let me fly. I floated upwards as the ashes around me spread around me. I began to laugh as the pain and sorrow of my life disappeared along with my ashes. The Whistle blew once again as my final departure upwards begins.

Publication Date: 08-22-2014

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