Novellen 'The Station'

The StationShe was all alone. The sound was screeching, then metal on metal. The impact could be heard from a distance. Katie heard it for only a second, then woek up to darkness; standing in a misty fog. She is wondering why she was standing in this dense forest. Where was she? She heard a train whistle and began walking toward the sound. Through the brush she saw several people standing at an old-fashion train station. In the crowd, Katie saw Michael talking to the conductor. She began to run to him.The station was crowded with people, young and old. There were large and small suitcases spread out like an obstacle course. Katie yelled out to Michael, but he could not hear her. The noise of the crowd and the engine from the train muffled her voice. Tears swelled in Katie’s eyes."What's the matter, dear?" asked an old women, holding a basket around her arm. The old woman's voice was soft and gentle. She looked like someone's grandmother."I see my husband and I must be with him," Katie said. "I don't know what happened."The old woman held Katie's hand to comfort her. They both turned to the snicker that came from behind them."You mean you don't no what happened?"There, sitting on a large truck was a woman filing her long, red nails. Her legs were crossed, revealing her greatest attributes, while smacking her gum in perfect rhythm."What do you mean?" asked Katie."Never mind, deer," interrupted the old woman. The woman sitting on the truck delicately removed the gum from her mouth and look at Katie."Your dead," she said blankly. "We're all dead and that train is taking us two our final journey."She placed the gum back in her mouth and continued filing her nails. The old woman looked at Katie and nodded slowly. Panic rose in Katie as she ran from the women. Pushing and shoving her way through the crowd, Katie ran to Michael arms and held him tight. She was afraid to let go."Is it true Michael, are we dead?" she asked."No," he said with a light laugh. "Now go back to the car. Petey is waiting for you to come home. I told the baby-sitter he could stay up." She drew back from Michael arms to look in his eyes. She was confused, but somehow understood his request. Petey was Michael's son. He was a widower with a child when Katie married him. Petey was 5 at the time and she loved him instantly."I love you Katie and I love Petey. So you must go back and let hymn know."All aboard! The train's engine started up and people began to board the train. "Listen, you have a chose to come with me or go back," Michael said, holding Katie's shoulders. "I don't have that chose, but letting me get on this train and you going back is the greatest love you can give me. Petey too."The words Michael spoke penetrated Katie's soul and marked a permanent place there. She smiled gently, feeling strong and safe. Her hands touched his cheeks, pulling him close and kissing him passionately on the lips. She drew her lips far enough from his to whisper, I love you. Katie turned and walked away.