“The trains always slow when they pass the power station,” Dad had said. “For safety.”
Safety, he thinks, watching the rolling wheels.
He’s never stood so near.
Watching from afar, they didn’t seem to be going all that fast, but from this close it’s different.
He feels their crushing mass shaking the ground beneath his sneakers, imagines how losing a leg might feel.
He starts jogging beside the track, just able to stay even with the train.
He reaches for a low rail, swings himself onto the flatcar.
Easy.
The train picks up speed. There’s no going back now.
And he’s off… Wonder if he’s escaping or simply ready to leave on a new adventure
Loved the atmosphere you’ve created
Does he even know where he’s going?
Great descriptions. Who knows where he will end up, but I hope he does find that safety.
Dear Josh,
This has a rather Steinbeck feel to it. Nicely done.
Shalom,
Rochelle
Well, you had me in several different places–good job! Was he contemplating suicide? Running away? Running toward? Or just restless?
It’s true, that moment between where you are and the transfer to a moving entity… nothing quite so thrilling but so scary. Nicely done.
Running from, or runnng towards something? Nice one .
Here’s mine!
Great pacing; I was running with him. I wonder where we’re going?
Love the build up and movement of the words, the boy and the train. Wonderfully done.
Hope he finds his safety, wherever the train takes him.
Off he goes. May he find what he is seeking, and may he make choices that will end him in good stead …
And off he goes. A nice buildup to the eventual action.