Train Stories: Part 4 - Closing Doors

‘Madam, you must step into the train.’

‘I’m waiting for my friend, it’s okay.’

‘The train is about to leave, you need to step into the train and release the doors.’

‘It’s okay. It’s not a problem.’

‘Madam, please step into the train.’

‘Honestly, I’m fine.’

‘I’m sure you are, but the train needs to depart. Please step into the carriage.’

‘Don’t worry is fine. It will only take a second. She has mad curly hair, very pretty, if you see her, tell her I am here waiting for her.’

‘That’s great, but you need to either get in the train or wait for you friend out here. The train needs to depart.’

‘Oh, I’m alright here, thank you.’

‘Madam, we can’t delay the service, I need you to get on or off the train. It’s not fair on the other passengers.’

‘Oh they’re alright, don’t worry. They’ve just sat down.’

‘You should sit down too. Either in there or out here.’

‘I’m okay standing for now, but thank you.’

‘Madam, if you don’t…’

‘You know, this bag is so heavy! The passage to get here is really bumpy; it was a pain dragging it across.’

‘I can help you pull it in or out of the train, which one would you like?’

‘It’s fine, I can manage.’

‘Yes, but right now it’s blocking the door. Like I said, the train needs to leave this station.’

‘Indeed. It does… doesn’t it?’

‘Yes.’

‘Madam, please step into the train, if you don’t release the doors I will have…’

‘You know, she is always late. She drives me insane! It’s always the same.’

‘Then please wait for her out here. This train is ready to depart.’

‘Yes! We're all waiting! So annoying!’

‘Very. Unfortunately, you are holding the doors open. I need you to move out of the way so the train can depart.’

‘Indeed. It’s dangerous, right? That’s why you always ask people to stay clear of the closing doors, right?’

‘Precisely. Now, in or out?’

‘Definitely in. I need to get home tonight still.’

‘I’ll help you.’

‘No, I’m okay. Thank you, though.’

‘Ok, madam, I’m gonna have to call…’

‘Oh, there she is, see? Right over there. Just getting on… Thank you. You were ever so helpful.’

Written by: Paola Santana

All rights reserved.

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Train Stories is a four-part series, including three short stories and one poem. This one was written as an exercise in storytelling through dialogue only. I hope you had fun. As much fun as I had watching a similar, scaled down, version of this story unfold at Euston Station in London.