The eerie glow in the sky grew from the trees and a soft breeze rustled there branches. I stood by the train tracks waiting for the train to come by. The backpack hung low and was heavy with everything that I had packed. Riding the rails was a hobby of mine, some traveled to get from city to city. Hopping trains was a great way to travel for cheap and it was surprising the places you would end up. I loved the freedom and the thrill of it all, train hopping could be dangerous. There had been tragedies and one mistake could cause your death. One friend of mine had gone out like that while getting on a train his foot slipped and he was pulled under the train. The result was a closed coffin funeral for obvious reasons.

A train whistle rang out and the sound was softer almost like a song. Looking down the tracks I could see the train approaching, but it seemed to glow. This train seemed special, but I didn’t know why. Instead of the harsh sounds the train normally makes this was eerily quiet. The train started slowing; first the engine passed me and then the rows of boxcars. I could hear the brakes applied the screeching sound that no longer bothered me. It was confusing that the train would stop here; normally they would slow down but not completely halt. The train would be just slow enough that I could grab onto one of the box cars open it and climb inside. A boxcar was in front of me and the door slowly slid open and strange light appeared. Then the light was gone an old man standing before me holding onto a lantern.

“Coming sonny?”
“To where?”
“This train is for explorers and I think you fit the bill.”
Another came and tapped the first man on the shoulder.
“What is it Emmett?”
“I don’t think he knows.”
The old man looked me over and nodded his head. He wore an old white buttoned up shirt, black slacks and a jacket that was not buttoned. I looked behind him and saw more people some who were strangely dressed.
“Look behind you boy.”
Turning around I saw myself lying on the ground. I walked up to my body, my eyes closed and I looked like I was sleeping.
“Am I sleeping?”
“I’m sorry boy, but you’re not sleeping your dead. I don’t know how and or why. This train is for travelers and I can tell you’re an experienced one.”
“Where will we go?”
“Anywhere you want to boy, anywhere you want to.”
I looked at my body one last time and climbed inside. The shock of my death was still settling in and I was not sure what to expect now, but I didn’t want to be alone. A few of the other passengers came up and hugged me and I started to cry. I knew that I was among friends and that this was a beginning of a new adventure.