151: The Empty Station

Clattering toward me on rusty wheels, the freight train chugged through the empty station, casting a clunking grey shadow over my side of the platform. As the last carriage passed by I could see the opposite side of the station again, glimpsing my reflection in the waiting room window: a girl perched on the edge of a bench on an empty platform, book in hand. Looking over, I saw the train disappear into the distant fog. In the wake of the vanishing train, I was left alone again by the tracks. The silence seemed more hollow than before; even the cool breeze was silent, tugging at the leaves on the branches overhead like a thief's fingers pulling emeralds off a chain. Despite the protection offered by the amulet canopy enveloping the station, I felt oddly exposed there by the tracks, open to the comings and goings of the world.

The silence was quickly broken by the arrival of a couple, strolling past without a care in the world. They settled on the bench next to mine and carried on chatting, wrapped in their little pink bubble. I retreated into my book, hoping the redirection of my attention would simultaneously render my body invisible to any onlookers. It's pretty easy to disappear into another world where no-one's watching. This book was perfectly apt for such an occasion: a fantasy novel set mostly in an underground library, perfect for escaping reality. Next to me I heard a quiet rendition of The 1975's Somebody Else, sang octaves apart by the couple next to me, listening on shared earphones. The irony of their two voices weaving together over perhaps the most melancholy lyrics wasn't lost on me: 'Our love has gone cold, you're intertwining your soul with somebody else' ... Somehow I felt more alone than before.

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Written by: Millie Bysh

Instagram: @leoninepixie

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Publisher's note: Please note that all poetry published with Eudaemonia Records has been seen by our editors, and that the editors have suggested revisions where they see fit, but we believe that it is ultimately the writer's decision to accept or reject any suggestions and take no responsibility for which suggestions they accept or reject.