Summertrain.

summertrain.

I looked left and right. I held my backpack over one shoulder and cautiously looked out my door, into the hallway. Clear. I tiptoed to the stair landing and descended halfway down the stairs. I paused for a few seconds, listening out for any telltale signs that my aunt was awake and once I was positive that she wasn't, I treaded down the rest of the stairs. The front door seemed so close now, and with every step I took, I knew I was one step closer to freedom. Opening the door slowly, making sure the old door didn't creak, I stepped out into the summer air and let the heat wash over me. I slowly closed the door again. I felt a wave of ecstasy run over me. I did it. I was going to be free.

With a huge grin on my face, I bounded down the path, taking in my surroundings, which would probably be the last time. No more hearing my aunt nag about how I was an unappreciative bitch to have her provide for me. But she treated me terribly, what's there to be thankful about for just giving me a roof over my head because it was my parents' last wish? I didn't even have a proper bed.

But all that's past, I told myself. I didn't need to care any longer. To be honest, I had no idea where I was going to go or how I was going to get money, cause I was pretty sure my $2000 from my job at the music store would last me for a while, but when it runs out... Well we'll cross that bridge when we come to it. That was me. Reckless, doing things I want to do without thinking of the consequences. YOLO, as Drake said.

The train station was a deserted mess, with only a few people waiting at the train station. The morning daylight streamed in through the small windows, or should I say "openings" on the wall. Usually, a typical American train station wouldn't look like this. But then again, I wasn't taking the subway- I was taking the summer train, or so the people called it. A train that only ran during summer, going as far as it gets. The station may be old, and the train may look old, but the inside of it still hasn't run down beyond repair.

This train, this station, they've gone through so much. All the memories they've held for many people, be it good or bad. Whatever it is- they've seen it all. Being in service for about a 100 years now, I'd say they're old golds, a treasure not to be forsaken or forgotten.

I walked slowly to the ticket booth. "Um, one ticket please?" I asked the attendant, whom I guess must've worked here for long, judging that she was sleeping and from the look on her bored face. She squinted at her ancient desktop computer covered in dust, even a cobweb in one corner, and wearily moved her mouse with her wrinkled fingers. The printer hummed to life, the machinery sounding like it was going to break down any moment now. With a churning sound, a white ticket popped out of the printer. I placed my money on the counter as she handed me the ticket. I smiled at her, "Have a nice day," before walking away towards the benches facing the tracks. I sat down, relaxing my legs. I had walked over 6 streets to get to the station. That just proved how remotely-located and deserted this station was.

The next train was due in about 15 minutes. There were no fans in the station at all except for one rickety old ceiling fan right in the middle of the ceiling which rotated at the speed of which the Earth rotates. It didn't help that the temperature was 40°C outside. I wouldn't be able to use my phone for long as even if I had brought along my charger, where would I even find an electrical outlet?

I closed my eyes and let the sound of the wind blowing and the intenseness of the heat captivate me. I was nervous as to starting a new life, but I wasn't one to plan ahead. I just let fate take control of everything. My uncle had always chided me about it, when he was still alive. He was the only other parental figure I considered in my life after my parents passed away, the one who genuinely cared. Now he was gone, too, and I had been left under the clutches of my aunt who had somehow managed to act like she did care in front of my uncle and my parents. But I knew better.